The spelling of "Verey Pistol" is a bit tricky as it is pronounced differently from the way it is spelled. The correct pronunciation is /vəˈreɪ pɪstəl/. The word is derived from the French phrase "verre à feu" meaning fire glass, which referred to a signal cannon used in the 18th century. The English language version of this was called the "very pistol." Over time, the pronunciation shifted to "verey." Today, the spelling and the pronunciation of "Verey Pistol" are used interchangeably.
A Verey Pistol, also spelled Very Pistol, is a type of firearm typically used for signaling purposes. It is a compact handgun designed to fire flares or illuminating cartridges into the air to communicate distress signals or indicate a specific location. The Verey Pistol was first introduced and named after its inventor Edward Wilson Very, an American Navy officer, in the late 19th century.
The pistol is characterized by its short barrel, small size, and lightweight construction. It is usually single-shot, with the ammunition contained in a revolving cylinder or a detachable magazine. The Verey Pistol is simple to operate, as it features a straightforward trigger mechanism that ignites the propellant charge, propelling the flare or illuminating cartridge skywards.
Typically, the flares fired by a Verey Pistol create a bright, colorful light visible from a considerable distance, making it suitable for search and rescue operations, emergency signaling, or identifying a specific location during military operations. The color of the flares may vary, with different cartridges producing red, green, white, or other distinctive hues.
Due to their primary purpose as signaling devices, Verey Pistols are generally not intended for offensive or defensive use in combat. Their compact size, ease of use, and ability to deliver quick visual signals have made these pistols valuable tools in various fields, including maritime safety, military operations, and outdoor activities such as camping or hiking.
The term "Verey Pistol" derives its name from the British gunsmith and inventor Edward Wilson Very, who is credited for its development. The pistol is named after him, but with a slight variation in the spelling, resulting in the term "Verey Pistol". Edward Very was an employee of the British manufacturer Webley & Scott, and he designed this particular flare gun-like firearm during World War I. The Verey Pistol was used by various armed forces to signal troops, create illumination, or indicate distress. Hence, it became widely known as the Verey Pistol, honoring its inventor.