Apache revolver

Apache Revolver

Apache Revolver
Type Multi-Purpose Pinfire Revolver
Place of origin Belgium
Production history
Designer Louis Dolne
Designed 1860
Manufacturer L. Dolne à Liege
Produced 1869
Variants 9×19mm Parabellum unofficial WWII British
Specifications
Weight 0.8lbs (385g)
Length Folded, 4.3" (105mm); Unfolded, 7.8" (200mm)
Bayonet, 1.15" (29.21mm)
Cartridge 7 mm Lefaucheux
Caliber 7mm, .27cal.
Action Double action only
Feed system 6-round detaching cylinder
Sights None

An Apache revolver is a handgun which incorporates multiple other weapons, made notorious by the French underworld figures of the early 1900s known as Les Apaches.[1]

History

The design dates from the 1860s, and is attributed to Louis Dolne.[2] The gun was manufactured until the end of the 1800s.[2]

Description

Apache revolver – Curtius Museum, Liège

The Apache operates on the principle of a pepperbox revolver using a pinfire cartridge and incorporates a fold-over knuckle duster forming the grip and also a rudimentary foldout, dual-edged knife.[3]

Due to the lack of a barrel, the revolver's effective range is very limited, but since all of its component parts can be folded inward towards the cylinder, it was easily concealable inside a pocket. It was common to leave an empty chamber with no cartridge under the hammer to prevent shooting oneself while having it concealed in a pocket or bag, as the weapon has no trigger guard or safety. This weapon is not able to be aimed precisely because of its lack of front and rear sights. Despite its limited potential, the revolver proved deadly at extremely close range.[4] For reloading, the cartridge cylinder must be removed and replaced with a full one.

A 9×19mm Parabellum revolver of similar design (but no official designation) was allegedly used by British Commandos during World War II, though exact statistics about production numbers and technical details have as yet remained undisclosed to the public.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Byam, Michèle (2011-08-15). Arms and Armor. DK Eyewitness Books. New York, NY: DK Publishing. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-7566-8951-3. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  2. 1 2 Hogg, Ian V; Walter, John (2004). Pistols of the World (4 ed.). Iola, WI: David & Charles. p. 395. ISBN 978-0-87349-460-1. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  3. ↑ "Horst Held: Antique Handguns: 0-Dolne". Horstheld.com. Horst Held Antique Handguns. Retrieved 7 June 2015. combination pin fire revolver with swing-out knuckle duster and 3 1/2" swing-out dirk. The handy gun is called "Apache" after the thugs in Paris, who supposedly carried those.
  4. ↑ McNab, Chris (2009). Firearms. Bath, UK: Parragon. p. 63. ISBN 978-1-4075-1607-3.
  5. ↑ Lidschun, Reiner (1998). Infanteriewaffen Gestern, Band 1. Berlin, GER: Brandenburgisches Verlagshaus. pp. 263–264. ISBN 3-89488-036-8.

External links

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