Original Item: Only One Available. The M9 hand pyrotechnic launcher is a manually operated, muzzle loading projector developed by Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co.. who manufactured this very nice example. The device was used during WWII for projecting flares or signals for signaling between ground troops or front ground troop to aircraft.
Like the M-8 Flare Pistol, it features a parkerized finish. The projector has no trigger, and is fired by striking the rounded base of the hand knob against the base or the ground. The basic design is a steel tube with plunger firing mechanism at base. To avoid accidental discharge, there is a safety clip that prevents the plunger from moving in until it is removed. Maximum range is an altitude of 250 feet. Measures 7 3/4" and weighs approximately 1 lb.
It is marked on the bottom under the base plunger with:
E.V.C. CO.
PROJECTOR-PYROTECHNIC
HAND M-9
U.S. PROPERTY
It is also marked on the top latch with SERIAL NO. E- 091621.
Condition is very good, and we were not able to find any functional defects with this example. It breaks open correctly with the ejector presenting, and locks up correctly. There is some overall oxidation speckling, and wear to the original parkerized finish. The interior of the barrel does have some rust scaling.
An extremely rare hard to find WWII signal projector. Ready to display!
