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NOTICE THE ENLARGED HOLE TO SHOW SEAR OPERATION
G) Unique Documented “Demonstrator” FP-45 Liberator Pistol - NSN, 45 ACP cal., 4 inch round bbl., aluminum finish, metal grips. This Liberator pistol is a Model 3 and was possibly a “show and tell” pistol. It has been painted with aluminum paint, the hole on the right side has been enlarged to show the sear operation and it has the number “3” stamped on the front of the trigger guard. It appears to have been fired a number of times. This exact pistol is photographed and described on page 63 of Ralph Hagan’s book, “The Liberator Pistol”.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains approximately 70% of the aluminum paint. The trigger feels loose and needs to be
pulled back out after discharge, however the action otherwise functions properly. It’s not exactly known how it was used, but it obviously earned it’s keep.
H) Extremely Rare Documented Pre-Production Prototype Model 1 FP-45 Liberator Pistol, as Manufactured by Inland Division of General Motors - NSN, 45 ACP cal., 4 inch round bbl., grey finish, metal grips. This is one of five pre-production prototype FP-45 pistols made at the Inland plant in Dayton, Ohio. The Inland plant is also where the drawings for the Model 1 were made and when the drawings were finished, they were sent to other General Motors plant, Guide Lamp, for parts manufacture and assembly. In late May 1942 the various parts started flowing into the Guide Lamp facility. The parts were assembled and spot-welded and the completed product was the Model 1 FP-45. The Model 1 FP-45 was short lived, however when it started misfiring in the live-firing room. The problem was caused by the cocking knob occasionally turning slightly after the trigger was pulled causing the firing pin to fall out of alignment with the breechblock firing hole, an erratic malfunction that could prove fatal in a combat situation. This pistol is photographed in Ralph Hagan’s “The Liberator Pistol” book on pages 54 and 55, in which it states this pistol was kept by Paul Hamisch, one of two skilled draftsmen involved with the FP-45 project at the Inland facility, and the “H” inscribed on the right of the cocking knob was done by him. Page 39 of the aforementioned book has
a quote in a 1990 dated letter addressed directly from Paul Hamisch to the author, whom he sold it to directly, indicating this is one of five prototype pistols of its kind made at Inland. The right grip also has nine “kill” style notches inscribed in it.
CONDITION: Excellent with only a few light scratches and some areas of smooth brown surface patina. The trigger does not properly cock, otherwise the cocking knob retains its spring tension. These opportunities do not present themselves everyday, and the chances of another example turning up for public sale are slim to none. This pre- production prototype Inland Model 1 FP-45 Liberator pistol is an extremely rare and important firearm! Provenance: The Paul Hamisch Collection.
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