*OSS LIBERATOR PISTOL, GI BRING-BACK.

*OSS LIBERATOR PISTOL, GI BRING-BACK. Cal. 45 ACP. Small, compact single shot pistol manufactured in 1942 by the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors. The pistols are made of stamped sheet metal, spot welded together with a 4″ stepped smooth bore bbl, crude fixed sights with a simple striker firing mechanism that has a heavy zinc striker head. The OSS (Office of Strategic Services) was the clandestine predecessor to today’s CIA and the primary American agency running agents and disinformation programs against the Axis powers during the war. They came up with the idea to produce a cheap but effective single shot pistol to drop behind the lines to partisans to be used to obtain better quality weapons from the enemy. In May of 1942 the Government signed a contract with General Motors for 1 million of these pistols which General Motors was able to complete in just about four weeks at a cost of $1.72 each. The pistols were then packaged in a waxed, waterproof carton with a cartoon-like wordless instruction sheet, 10-rds of ammunition and a small dowel to be used as an ejector for the empty cases. Most of the entire production was shipped to England and the Pacific but little is known of their actual use. It is reported that most of the pieces shipped to England were never used and after the war were melted down for scrap. Obviously any that were dropped behind enemy lines were probably all lost and with the destruction of the shipments to England, very few survive today, especially complete units. Accompanied by an identification card of Edward J. Uchno dated “1 September 1946”. Uchno was in the Army stationed in Ceylon and assigned to Supply, probably just after the end of WWII. Uchno was assigned to Detachment C, OSS. His ID card has his photo ID with what appears to be Japanese writing on the back. Also accompanying is a 4″ x 5″ photograph of the same individual in an enlisted man’s Army uniform. Additionally accompanying is Uchno’s dog tags with his name misspelled “Uckno” which indicates he was from Hazelton, PA. Also accompanying is another set of dog tags, spelled correctly which lists his immunizations. Additionally accompanying is a Thanksgiving 1945 menu of “Detachment 404, Ceylon” with several hand written sentiments on the inside. There is also a 2-sheet 4-page “INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS FOR ALL PERSONNEL AT DETACHMENT C” which involves security at the facility. Finally accompanying are a silver “U.S.” officer’s collar tab and a set of sterling miniature Army Air Corps wings. CONDITION: Pistol is missing the base plate, otherwise is complete showing light surface oxidation. Appears to have been fired. Mechanics are fine. Other accompanying items are fine. 4-42239 JR93 (1,500-2,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1164	$0.00	OSS LIBERATOR PISTOL, GI BRING-BACK. Cal. 45 ACP. Small, compact single shot pistol manufactured in 1942 by the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors. The pistols are made of stamped sheet metal, spot welded together with a 4″ stepped smooth bore bbl, crude fixed sights with a simple striker firing mechanism that has a heavy zinc striker head. The OSS (Office of Strategic Services) was the clandestine predecessor to today’s CIA and the primary American agency running agents and disinformation programs against the Axis powers during the war. They came up with the idea to produce a cheap but effective single shot pistol to drop behind the lines to partisans to be used to obtain better quality weapons from the enemy. In May of 1942 the Government signed a contract with General Motors for 1 million of these pistols which General Motors was able to complete in just about four weeks at a cost of $1.72 each. The pistols were then packaged in a waxed, waterproof carton with a cartoon-like wordless instruction sheet, 10-rds of ammunition and a small dowel to be used as an ejector for the empty cases. Most of the entire production was shipped to England and the Pacific but little is known of their actual use. It is reported that most of the pieces shipped to England were never used and after the war were melted down for scrap. Obviously any that were dropped behind enemy lines were probably all lost and with the destruction of the shipments to England, very few survive today, especially complete units. Accompanied by an identification card of Edward J. Uchno dated “1 September 1946”. Uchno was in the Army stationed in Ceylon and assigned to Supply, probably just after the end of WWII. Uchno was assigned to Detachment C, OSS. His ID card has his photo ID with what appears to be Japanese writing on the back. Also accompanying is a 4″ x 5″ photograph of the same individual in an enlisted man’s Army uniform. Additionally accompanying is Uchno’s dog tags with his name misspelled “Uckno” which indicates he was from Hazelton, PA. Also accompanying is another set of dog tags, spelled correctly which lists his immunizations. Additionally accompanying is a Thanksgiving 1945 menu of “Detachment 404, Ceylon” with several hand written sentiments on the inside. There is also a 2-sheet 4-page “INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS FOR ALL PERSONNEL AT DETACHMENT C” which involves security at the facility. Finally accompanying are a silver “U.S.” officer’s collar tab and a set of sterling miniature Army Air Corps wings. CONDITION: Pistol is missing the base plate, otherwise is complete showing light surface oxidation. Appears to have been fired. Mechanics are fine. Other accompanying items are fine. 4-42239 JR93 (1,500-2,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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