BobBow Posted 20 March , 2014 Share Posted 20 March , 2014 Hi all, new member here. I was reading through some old posts about flare pistols and saw some discussions on ammunition used and their packaging. I've attached some photos of paper wrapped flare shells that I have and hope they are of interest to anyone researching these. The flares are marked ELEY LONDON and are packed 6 to a bundle. The date on the wrapper appears to be 1917. Package and cartridge are marked PROOF. Please feel free to copy the photos. If anyone would like other photos of these I'd be happy to comply. My question is, was there a specific pistol make for these or were they all a standard size? I have a French flare pistol and these cartridges do not fit in the chamber. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikB Posted 20 March , 2014 Share Posted 20 March , 2014 Proof rounds normally represented an overpressure loading to test the materials and construction of the arm - though the need for this seems a bit obscure in the context of the not-very-demanding ballistics of launching a flare. Interesting to know whether they actually contain a flare, or some other 'ballast' projectile to generate pressure? I think British flare pistols were of standard calibre. Regards, MikB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyE Posted 20 March , 2014 Share Posted 20 March , 2014 That is a very desirable packet that you have. I have an almost identical wrapper and round dated 28 12 17. These were used to proof the 1 inch Webley flare pistols which required proofing just like any other arm, although at a lower pressure. british flare pistols were either 1 inch (4 bore) calibre or 1 1/2 inch. Mik - I believe they are loaded with 1 oz of lead shot as a proof load. Regards TonyE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiegeGunner Posted 20 March , 2014 Share Posted 20 March , 2014 Mik - I believe they are loaded with 1 oz of lead shot as a proof load. I see ... so the British didn't make flares that could be fired from a shotgun, but they did make shotgun cartridges that could be fired from a flare pistol ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBow Posted 20 March , 2014 Author Share Posted 20 March , 2014 That is a very desirable packet that you have. I have an almost identical wrapper and round dated 28 12 17. These were used to proof the 1 inch Webley flare pistols which required proofing just like any other arm, although at a lower pressure. british flare pistols were either 1 inch (4 bore) calibre or 1 1/2 inch. Mik - I believe they are loaded with 1 oz of lead shot as a proof load. Regards TonyE Thanks, got them in a small ammo collection I acquired. Assumed they would be a pretty rare item lasting all these years in almost new condition. I suppose it now wouldn't be a good idea to launch one of these in a +-100 year old flare pistol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikB Posted 20 March , 2014 Share Posted 20 March , 2014 Thanks, got them in a small ammo collection I acquired. Assumed they would be a pretty rare item lasting all these years in almost new condition. I suppose it now wouldn't be a good idea to launch one of these in a +-100 year old flare pistol! Quite apart from any legal considerations (!), if Tony's right about the ounce of lead, I think they'd be rather uncomfortable to shoot... Regards, MikB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 20 March , 2014 Share Posted 20 March , 2014 I see ... so the British didn't make flares that could be fired from a shotgun, but they did make shotgun cartridges that could be fired from a flare pistol ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBow Posted 21 March , 2014 Author Share Posted 21 March , 2014 Quite apart from any legal considerations (!), if Tony's right about the ounce of lead, I think they'd be rather uncomfortable to shoot... Regards, MikB Likely to go un noticed here on the 4th of July or New Years Eve, or would at least seem so after enough drinks. The rounds are pretty heavy (abt 3.5 oz.) so they must be containing lead shot of some sort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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