Apache revolver
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]
| 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 | |
| Mass | 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 |
History
The design dates from the 1860s, and is attributed to Louis Dolne.[2] The gun was manufactured until the end of the 1870s.[2]
Description
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.
The revolver also has a design constraint when opening the barrel, by default the barrel points back towards the wearer of the knuckles. For this, the user then has to remove the knuckles, rotate the gun to point forward to the target and then shoot. Certain defense scenarios might not accord the liberty of time to do such an involved maneuver.
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
- Byam, Michèle (15 August 2011). Arms and Armor. DK Eyewitness Books. New York, NY: DK Publishing. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-7566-8951-3. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
- 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 3 May 2013.
- "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
- McNab, Chris (2009). Firearms. Bath, UK: Parragon. p. 63. ISBN 978-1-4075-1607-3.
- Lidschun, Reiner (1998). Infanteriewaffen Gestern, Band 1. Berlin, GER: Brandenburgisches Verlagshaus. pp. 263–264. ISBN 3-89488-036-8.
External links
- Rummel, Jason R. (11 November 2006). "Is That an Apache in Your Pocket?". Hell in A Handbasket. Archived from the original on 19 July 2008.
- Shaikh, Aneez (29 August 2011). "Apache - The "multi-purpose" revolver". GizmoWatch. Archived from the original on 21 March 2015.
- "Apache Knuckleduster Revolver at RIA". Forgotten Weapons (YouTube). 2 February 2015. - Video describing mechanical operation and history of one example
- The Importance Of The Apache Revolver