*British, c.1989, Miniflare Signal Kit Pyrotechnic Pistol 16mm No.1 Mk.3, White Signal, Schermuly / Pains Wessex Military Survival & Distress Signalling Set*
An original British military Miniflare Signal Kit, officially designated Signal Kit Pyrotechnic Pistol 16mm No.1 Mk.3, dated 1989, housed in its correct green plastic case and marked for WHITE signal cartridges. A very collectible example of late Cold War British Army and RAF field survival equipment, designed for compact emergency signalling use and increasingly sought after by collectors of military survival gear.
The case is embossed “MINIFLARE” with patent marking PAT No. 986828, and the reverse is clearly printed:
SIGNAL KIT PYROTECHNIC
PISTOL 16mm No.1 Mk.3
WHITE
1370-99-965-5620
PW 2/89
with step-by-step instructions printed on the exterior.
Approx. Measurements – Length: 15.5 cm. Width: 4 cm. Depth: 2.5 cm.
History Note:
Originally designed by the renowned British pyrotechnics firm Schermuly, and later produced by Pains Wessex, the Miniflare was developed as a lightweight personal distress signalling device for military personnel, lifeboat crews, aviators, and field troops. It was widely issued to British Army soldiers and RAF aircrew for battlefield recognition, emergency rescue signalling, and survival pack use. Its slim, compact form allowed it to fit easily into a pocket, bergen, vehicle survival kit, or aircraft emergency pack.
The internal system housed a reusable screw-in “pen-jector” projector and multiple 16mm signal cartridges. To operate, the projector is withdrawn, screwed onto the base of the flare cartridge, and fired overhead by pulling the trigger sharply. Typical cartridges launched to approximately 40–50 metres and burned for several seconds for clear aerial recognition.
This example is marked WHITE, indicating the flare colour originally supplied. While many Miniflare cases used moulded touch-recognition symbols for colour identification, printed designation was also used on service examples. The NATO Stock Number prefix 1370 confirms pyrotechnic ordnance classification, and the 2/89 date places this example firmly within late Cold War British service, ideal for Falklands-to-Gulf War era collections.
A very desirable and increasingly hard-to-find original British military signalling and survival item with excellent display appeal and strong collector interest.
*Condition*
Condition is good used service condition with expected age wear, light surface marks, handling wear, and some minor staining/discolouration to the green plastic casing. Printed instructions remain legible and embossed markings remain strong throughout. Sold strictly as an inert collectible display item only, with no live pyrotechnic contents present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3102A0_3575238705
