Sedgley OSS .38 Glove Pistol
R.F. Sedgley, Inc. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1942
Also known as: Hand Firing Mechanism Mk 2, OSS Glove Gun, Haight Fist Gun, Sedgley Fist Gun
Overview
The Sedgley OSS .38 Glove Pistol is a World War II single-shot, break-barrel, smoothbore covert pistol chambered in .38 Special. Developed jointly by the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence and the OSS Research and Development Branch and built by R.F. Sedgley of Philadelphia, the weapon was mounted on the back of a cowhide glove and hidden beneath a long-sleeved coat. After loading and cocking, the operator fired it by making a fist and pressing a bar-shaped trigger against the target's body, making it a purpose-built close-contact assassination device for the Pacific Theater.
Specifications
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 1 m (1 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Break Open
- Features: Glove Mounted, Smoothbore Barrel, Concealed Weapon, Fired By Punching, Single Shot
Service history
Operators
- Office of Strategic Services · adopted 1942 · as Hand Firing Mechanism Mk 2
- United States Marine Corps
- United States Navy
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200 · Production years: 1942-1945
Estimates range from 52 to 200 units; exact figures uncertain due to the covert nature of the program
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Stanley M. Haight
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Extremely rare; only an estimated 52 to 200 units were produced. Officially designated the Hand Firing Mechanism, Mk 2. The Cold War-era KGB is reported to have replicated the design.
Background
To fire the glove gun an operative had to literally punch the enemy - a bar-shaped trigger ran alongside the barrel and discharged the round only when pressed hard against a target's body, making it a true point-blank assassination weapon. The device later appeared in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.