Original item: Only One Available. This is a very rare example of the German WWII Kampfpistole (struggle pistol), also called the Kampfpistole Z, or "Z-Gun". It is a specialized flare gun introduced into German service during 1939 and served throughout World War II. It is a single shot, break action, flare gun designed and produced by Walther, and was based on the earlier Leuchtpistole 34.

Externally both the Kampfpistole and the Leuchtpistole 34 were nearly identical. The difference between the two models was the Kampfpistole had a rifled barrel while the Leuchtpistole 34 was a smoothbore gun. The Kampfpistole could be identified by a Z engraved on the barrel of the gun. Like the LP34, the Kamppistole's barrel and frame were machined from "duralumin" alloy, and had bakelite pistol grips. The primary roles for the Kampfpistole were signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade. Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops. It is this use as a lightweight anti-tank gun that really brought fame to the "Z-gun", making them highly desirable.

This example is maker marked ac on the left side of the frame, for manufacture by the legendary maker/developer Waffenfabrik Walther in Zella-Mehlis, Thüringen. From the start of production the flare gun was marked with the text “Waffenfabrik Walther Zella-Mehlis (Thür.)” over the manufacturer's trademark; a waving banner with the text "WALTHER". Zella-Mehlis is the city of Thuringia where the factory was located before and during the war. The company was "restarted" in Ulm post war.

Below this is it stamped with the manufacture date of [19] 41, and it has serial number 8117 above the trigger guard and on the barrel. It is nicely Waffenamt marked on the right side of the frame, with inspector number 359, the correct inspector for Walther. At the Walther factory individual parts were marked with the acceptance mark WaA359. Until 1939, the test marks on the right side of the barrel consisted of B / S / U under an imperial crown, as well as "4" in a circle for the caliber and a spoked wheel, believed to symbolize approval of smooth-barrel weapons for the Zella-Mehlis region. The B / U under an imperial crown are repeated on the frame. From 1940 and onwards these are all replaced by an eagle over an upside down heart with a fir tree inside; the civil test approval mark for the region of Zella-Mehlis, Thuringia. The same mark is stamped on both barrel and frame.

Completely Original German WW2 manufacture in good complete condition, with a good amount of the original finish present on both sides of the pistol. The steel components still have most of the blued finish, with a bit of light peppering. The ring on the bottom for the lanyard is not removable as on the standard LP34, as these were not intended to be used in any type of "trip wire" setup.

We tested the pistol, and it breaks open correctly, and an intact and functional extractor. It closes correctly, and can be cocked and dry fired. The "loaded' indicator on the back of the breach is also still functional.

This is a great chance to pick up a very rare variant of the German LP34, the "Z-Gun" Kampfpistole. Ready to display!