Japan's Type 90 3-Barreled Naval Flare Pistol

Published on November 14, 2017
Duration: 8:13

This video details the rare Japanese Type 90 3-barreled flare pistol, a 28mm signaling tool used by the Imperial Japanese Navy and Air Force during WWII. It highlights the pistol's color-coded barrels for quick flare selection, unique recoil absorption system, and variations in production quality from early high-finish models to cruder late-war examples.

Quick Summary

The Japanese Type 90 3-barreled flare pistol is a rare 28mm signaling tool used by the Navy and Air Force in WWII. Manufactured by Kayaba Kogyo KK, it features color-coded barrels for quick flare selection and a unique recoil absorption system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Type 90 Flare Pistol
  2. 00:33Purpose & Users: Navy vs. Army
  3. 01:08Naming & Variations: Type 90 Explained
  4. 02:03Markings & Manufacturer: Kayaba Kogyo
  5. 03:13Color-Coded Barrels for Signaling
  6. 04:16Mechanical Operation: Safety & Loading
  7. 05:10Cocking & Unique Recoil System
  8. 06:13Production Quality: Early vs. Late War

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Japanese Type 90 3-barreled flare pistol?

The Type 90 is a rare 28mm, 3-barreled flare pistol used by the Japanese Navy and Air Force during World War II. It was designed for signaling purposes and featured color-coded barrels for quick identification of flare types.

Who manufactured the Japanese Type 90 flare pistol?

The Type 90 flare pistol was manufactured by Kayaba Kogyo KK. It often bears their company logo, along with patent numbers, serial numbers, and naval acceptance marks like an anchor.

What makes the Type 90 flare pistol's design unique?

A distinctive feature is its recoil system, where the entire barrel assembly reciprocates backward upon firing to absorb shock. It also has color-coded decals on each barrel to quickly indicate which flare color should be loaded.

How did the Type 90 flare pistol differ between the Japanese Army and Navy?

The Japanese Navy primarily used the 28mm caliber version of the Type 90 flare pistol. The Army, however, utilized its own separate 35mm version, reflecting distinct procurement processes between the branches.

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