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WW II General Motors GUIDE LAMP U.S. FP-45 LIBERATOR RESISTANCE Pistol C&R HISTORIC U.S. Clandestine “A GUN TO GET A GUN”
Guns International #: 103466335 Seller's Inventory #: 259407
Category: Military Pistols - Liberator - Military Pistols - US
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 987
Total Number of Listings: 43438
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
WW II General Motors GUIDE LAMP U.S. FP-45 LIBERATOR RESISTANCE Pistol C&R
HISTORIC U.S. Clandestine “A GUN TO GET A GUN”
Here Ancestry Guns presents a C&R U.S. FP-45 Liberator Pistol, made circa 1942 by the General Motors Company’s Guide Lamp division in Anderson, Indiana. What a fascinating pistol this is! The concept was of an extremely dispensable, even disposable, single shot pistol that could be mass produced at low cost, air dropped into enemy occupied territory and used by resistance groups and civilians as “a gun to get a gun”. With a single shot capability and an effective range of 24 feet or less, the idea was to get as close to your intended target as possible, shoot and then escape with a better weapon taken from the enemy. This pistol only bears a somewhat passing resemblance to a gun.
All this was the idea of the U.S. Army Joint Psychological Warfare Committee in 1942. As the name suggests, the aim of the project was every bit as much to strike fear in the hearts of Axis troops as it was to actually arm the resistance in occupied countries like France, Greece and Pacific Islands during World War II. And psychological warfare it was. Even down to the parts being assembled, everything involved misdirection.
General Eisenhower authorized the production of 1 million pieces, made under the guise of a “flare projector”, hence the name “FP”. The pistol is made of 23 stamped parts. The barrel was known as a “tube”, the trigger as a “yoke”, and the firing pin a “control rod,” etc. Each pistol came off the line complete with a waxed cardboard box that included 10 cartridges of .45 ACP, a wooden dowel rod for extracting fired cases, and a small graphic instruction manual, all housed inside the hollow handle of the gun.
Mass distribution via air drop over Europe never occurred as planned. General Douglas MacArthur took 50,000 pieces, which were distributed to occupied Pacific Islands. The OSS or Office of Strategic Services (the precursor of the modern CIA) took receipt of 450,000, some of which they distributed to Greek fighters. Some were given to Britain to supply the French resistance, then were dumped/destroyed. About 100,000 were shipped to China and some to the Philippines in the Pacific Theater. Overall, these were not built to last and they were so crude that they were not widely used and destroyed after the war.
The overall condition is good. Fully functioning action. Good, smooth bore. The trigger guard, front sight and grip plate are absent. Scattered brown patina. Here is one of the most unique pistols made during World War II!
Own the original! This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Barrel is 4 inches.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
$3050
#259407
Price: $3,050.00
Curio/Relic: Yes