Walther Leuchtpistole 34
Carl Walther GmbH · Pistol · Discontinued · 1934
Also known as: LP 34, Leuchtpistole 34, Walther Model 34, Signalpistole 34
Overview
The Walther Leuchtpistole 34 (LP 34) is a single-shot, break-action signal pistol developed by Carl Walther in 1934 and issued throughout the German armed forces during World War II. Chambered for the standard 26.5mm signal cartridge, it launched colored star and illumination flares for distress signalling, position marking, battlefield illumination, and radio-silent communication. It superseded the all-steel Leuchtpistole 28: the frame and barrel housing were machined from lightweight duralumin (aluminum alloy) with a blued steel barrel liner and moving parts, cutting weight substantially while the anodized finish and aluminum body resisted corrosion from powder residue. The trigger guard was enlarged so the pistol could be fired comfortably with gloved hands, and later examples wore checkered bakelite grips. Produced in large numbers by Walther and licensed contractors, the LP 34 was one of the most common Wehrmacht signal pistols of the war.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 730 g (25.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 245 mm (9.65") |
| Barrel Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Bakelite |
| Finish | Black Anodized Aluminum |
Calibers
- 26.5mm Flare · primary — also known as 1-inch flare, 25mm signal, 26.5x83mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Features: Break Action, Single Shot, Breech Loading, Large Bore Signal, Enlarged Trigger Guard, Lightweight Duralumin Frame
Service history
Operators
- German Army (Heer) · adopted 1934 · as Leuchtpistole 34
- Kriegsmarine · as LP 34
- Luftwaffe
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1934-1945
Manufactured in large numbers by Walther and licensed contractors (ERMA, Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik) throughout WWII
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Built by Carl Walther (maker code 'ac') at Zella-Mehlis and by licensed contractors including ERMA (Erfurt) and Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik. The Kampfpistole and Sturmpistole were later combat developments that adapted the same 26.5mm signal-pistol pattern to fire grenades.
Background
German troops fired pre-arranged red, green, and white star sequences from the LP 34 as a primitive but vital code between aircraft, ground units, and naval vessels operating under radio silence. Its enlarged trigger guard was a direct lesson from the Eastern Front, where heavily gloved soldiers struggled with the tighter guard of the earlier all-steel LP 28.