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

Drawing of an Apache revolver
Deleaxhe Apache pistol 7mm

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 a rudimentary foldout dual-edged knife.[3]

Due to the lack of a barrel, the revolver's effective range is very limited. Since its component parts can be folded inward towards the cylinder, it is easily concealable inside a pocket. It was common to leave an empty chamber with no cartridge under the hammer, as the weapon has no trigger guard or safety catch. The weapon cannot be aimed accurately because of its lack of front and rear sights and very short barrel. Despite its limited potential, the revolver was effective at extremely close range.[4] For reloading, the cartridge cylinder must be removed, refilled, and replaced.

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. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. 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 thugs in Paris, who supposedly carried them
  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.
  • Rummel, Jason R. (2006-11-11). "Is That an Apache in Your Pocket?". Hell in A Handbasket. Archived from the original on 2008-07-19.
  • Shaikh, Aneez (2011-08-29). "Apache - The "multi-purpose" revolver". GizmoWatch. Archived from the original on 2015-03-21.
  • "Apache Knuckleduster Revolver at RIA". Forgotten Weapons (YouTube). 2015-02-02. - Video describing mechanical operation and history of one example
  • The Importance Of The Apache Revolver

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