The 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.
History[]
The design dates from the 1860s, and is attributed to Louis Dolne. The gun was manufactured until the end of the 1800s.
Description[]
The Apache operates on the principle of a pepper box revolver using a pin fire cartridge and incorporates a fold-over knuckle duster forming the grip and also a rudimentary foldout, dual-edged knife.
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.
A 9×19mm 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.
| 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 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 |