General Motors Guide Lamp Division Liberator 45 ACP Single Shot Pistol

The Liberator Pistol, or FP-45, is a remarkable artifact from World War II. This unique firearm was created by the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors, a department typically dedicated to manufacturing automotive parts. However, during the war, it was redirected to produce the FP-45 in service of the war effort. Over a million pistols were made in just a few months in 1942. Although production was high, the survival rate of these firearms was low, making them a rare and prized item among collectors today.

Developed by the United States, the primary objective of the Liberator was to be airdropped in large quantities to resistance fighters in territories occupied by enemy forces. This was a strategic move, providing civilians with the means to combat their oppressors. The design of the Liberator was basic and economical, mirroring its function-over-form purpose. Crafted mostly from stamped sheet metal, it was a simple, boxy-looking pistol chambered in .45 ACP—a common and potent round.

Its operation was as simple as its design. The Liberator was a single-shot weapon that required manual reloading after each discharge. This involved inserting a cartridge into the barrel, then cocking the external striker mechanism to ready the gun for firing. Despite its simplicity, this design was seen as innovative as it allowed for quick and cost-effective mass production.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Liberator Pistol was its intended use as a psychological weapon. The idea was for individuals in occupied territories to use the weapon to disarm an enemy soldier and claim their weapons, thus upgrading their firepower. 

The instructions included with each Liberator were a testament to simplicity and brevity, designed to be universally understandable. They were primarily visual, featuring a series of pictographic diagrams showing the steps for loading and firing the weapon. Interestingly, the instructions also depicted a user claiming a firearm from a fallen enemy, reinforcing the intended use of the Liberator.

Overall, while not sophisticated or powerful by typical standards, the Liberator Pistol holds a unique position in WWII history. Its straightforward design, low-cost production, and innovative strategy serve as a captivating illustration of wartime innovation.