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Federal Labs Gun Control Panel...What is it for?


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I recently purchased this panel on e-Bay. It was listed as a “US Army Pre WW2 Gun Control Panel.” I got it because it is labeled “Federal Laboratories Inc.” The seller had no idea what it was and, as you can imagine, typing in “gun control panel” on Google, yields somewhat unhelpful results. The only thing I can think of is something I saw advertised in a reproduction 1934 FL catalog. It was an internal tear gas distribution system. If a bank was being robbed, or a prion riot was raging in the mess hall, a bank teller or prison guard could apply pressure to a foot pedal, and then the room would fill with a fog of tear gas (see pictures below).

Has anybody ever seen a device like this? Am I even close, or am I waaaaaay off? The panel measures 9” wide, by 14” tall, if that helps.

 

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I would agree. I like it!!! I do not have a reference but would agree it could be a panel to control a gas system. The dates would also align with when Federal was big into marketing systems before focusing more specifically on law enforcement items.

 

If you decide you dont want it, let me know

 

Ron

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What do you know? My deductive skills seem to be improving. I appreciate both of your prompt responses. Thank you.

This piece will be added to my ever-growing Federal Laboratories collection. I don't think this will part with me until I cease to draw breath. If it does, however, I shall keep you in mind, Ron.

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What do you know? My deductive skills seem to be improving. I appreciate both of your prompt responses. Thank you.

 

This piece will be added to my ever-growing Federal Laboratories collection. I don't think this will part with me until I cease to draw breath. If it does, however, I shall keep you in mind, Ron.

No worries. Its cool to have another Federal Labs collector on here.

 

Ron

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Nice piece of Fed Labs history.

 

Similar devices are used but they are not marketed to general LE so little info available. AAI sold control panels for their TGG which is a mounted version of the MPG.

 

Here are the control panels from AAI brochure in 1987.

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Nice piece of Fed Labs history.

 

Similar devices are used but they are not marketed to general LE so little info available. AAI sold control panels for their TGG which is a mounted version of the MPG.

 

Here are the control panels from AAI brochure in 1987.

 

 

Wow! That's neat! I had no idea they would still be making something like this so recently. Thanks for sharing.

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copdoc,

 

Fed Labs made incendiary bombs during WWII. I have a 1944 dated, 8.5" x 11" booklet of 55 pages that has scores of photos, and quite a bit of text. It's titled, "A Visit to Plant Three, Federal Laboratories, Inc., The People, The Machines and 10 Million Incendiary Bombs and Grenades." Much of it centers around the Army-Navy "E" Awards. It also contains many production photos. If you can get a photo of your friend's item, I'll be happy to let you know if it's covered in the vintage booklet.

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

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