U.S. WW2 Dummy M73 Red Distress Flare: Marked

Original Item: These dummy signal flares were assembled from empty cartridge cases originally manufactured during WW2. They are completely inert and have a red closing disk as they did originally. These were issued for use by aircrew waiting for rescue, and were usually stored in the life raft. Marked as follows:    SIGNAL, DISTRESS, 1?    SINGLE STAR, RED, M73    [ordnance bomb symbol, lot number and date] Caliber is 1 inch, and the overall length is about 2.25 inches.  They are compatible with any of the 1-inch US life raft launchers and also with any of the many models of 1-inch British flare pistols.  (They are not compatible with German or other Continental 26.5-mm signal pistols, as the case rim is too thick.)  They make an excellent display item to go with any German flare pistol.  Some cases show some corrosion.  Very few available.