Quite unusual pistols and revolvers

36

"Unlike his ancestor David,
he didn't do it
what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

16 Kings 2:XNUMX

stories about weapons. Today we will continue our story about the little-known examples of English firearms of the XIX century. But first, remember that a huge number of people strive to do everything possible to ... differ from others. But it is clear that not everyone can do this. A recent example from our stories - this is the appearance of advertising names with two letters "FF". This is just some kind of celebration of people deprived of brains: Dvernoff, Zamkoff, Ldoff, Mehoff, Dvernisazheff (!) And, finally, the latest pearl - Taxovichkoff taxi - I recently saw in your city.

But the same, alas, often happened to designers, including gunsmiths. Well, there is something good, so I will definitely change it, because I want my weapon to be at least something different. At least somehow, at least 1/10, but it was different.



As a result, many completely unusual images of the same revolvers and pistols appeared on the arms market, many of which fell into the treasury of curiosities. And today our story will be about them.

However, there is another point noticed by one of our readers last time:

"The British do not have artistic taste and divine inspiration when creating weapons ..."

You can, of course, argue with this statement, but look at the samples that this material is talking about ...


1842 R. Watmow revolver

Well, we will start with the R. Watmow revolver of 1842, the predecessor of the Devism revolver, which we have already talked about in our “revolver cycle”. Everything seems to be as usual: a six-shot primer drum, a top-mounted trigger, 1 copies were made. Everything seems to be traditional. Almost everything is the same as the Colt revolver. But…

Design difference! The Watmow revolver, like many other revolvers of this time, is more like traditional pepperboxes, while the colt outwardly differed greatly from them and looked much more like a military weapon, especially with an underbarrel lever for tight driving of bullets. And with this, he just pulled the buyers to his side. The novelty of all seduces, and the former, alas, becomes obsolete in the first place morally.

Quite unusual pistols and revolvers

Another European Colt - revolver H. Yeomans

English double-action capsule revolver manufactured by H. Yeomans, London. .40 caliber, drum, 5" octagonal barrel with H. YEOMANS LONDON lettering on top. Checkered walnut grips.



F. Parry's revolver from Birmingham is just very similar to H. Yeomans' revolver

Needless to say: Mother Europe lacked creative breakthroughs. Here is the revolver of Unwin and Rogers, all from the same opera. Produced in Europe during the American Civil War. But he is somehow ... ugly, although self-cocking, unlike the same Colts.


Revolver of Unwin and Rogers. Rough, even in appearance. On the top of the barrel there is a clear inscription: Unwin & Rodgers Birmingham & Sheffield


Another British "capsule" of the same time - Prince and Green, looks more elegant. Caliber .500. Marking "Prince and Green. 138. New Bond St London" on barrel and P.18990. Patent No. 34739.R" on the right side. Barrel octagonal 17 cm. Drum for five charges


The revolver of J. Rigby and C from Dublin, after being made, apparently traveled to India, where it was covered with a gold notch in the style of koftgari. Rimfire cartridges, caliber 8 mm


The cartridge revolver "Victor" (it is not clear whether this is the name of the revolver or the name of the manufacturer) was discharged in such an intricate way

Only John Thomas' 1870 revolver can compete with him. Manufactured by Tipping and Lowden. Caliber .380. Drum for five rounds.


John Thomas 1870 revolver

John Thomas lived in Birmingham at 66 Slaney Street in 1879–1883 ​​and at number 67 in 1884. For eight years he worked as a foreman at Tipping and Lowden. On March 13, 1869, he received English patent No. 779 for his "automatic ejection revolver", and then a Belgian one.


An 1870 John Thomas revolver with the barrel fully extended. Barrel forward - extractor from the drum - back!

The design was very intricate, and most importantly, it required precise processing of curved surfaces. Of course, anything that is difficult to produce tends to cost more. The consumer may get used to the complexity of maintaining their weapons, but the manufacturer is far from all the same, what is the cost of his products. That is why, apparently, designs like this revolver did not become widespread.


This photo shows a revolver in the process of loading ...

To reload the revolver, it was necessary to press the barrel stopper in front of the frame, and then turn the barrel by the handle so that it was at the top. Movement along the helicoid cutouts of the pins pushed the barrel forward, and the sleeves were removed due to the rectilinear forward movement of the barrel and drum.


The drum is fully loaded with cartridges

The fuse was on the left side, under the trigger, and the “Abadie door” was on the right, and for some reason it opened back, and not sideways, like most other revolvers. Its spring was located under the drum outside. The cartridges were inserted into the chambers one at a time as the drum rotated. Then the barrel turned down by the handle, stopped and the revolver was loaded. Shooting could only be carried out by self-cocking.


The barrel is pushed back, the “Abadie door” is raised, the revolver is loaded

Another revolver of a completely unusual design, although outwardly it is not very noticeable. But some strange trigger catches your eye, doesn't it? This feature was just the highlight of the design of the revolver company S. V. Silver and Co. from London. In principle, it was an ordinary large-caliber .450 revolver. But his fuse was located directly on the trigger!


Revolver S. V. Silver and Co. Left side view


Revolver S. V. Silver and Co. Right view. The “Abadie door” and the extractor are clearly visible

When turning the lever of the cylindrical part, the hammer drummer moved back and could no longer hit the primer. Moved his lever to the proper position - and shoot as much as you like. It seems to be a simple and technologically thought-out solution. But for some reason, it never took root on any of the revolvers. Although the idea itself looks sound and workable. Another thing is that one can argue about whether a fuse is needed on a revolver at all, but this is already a different plane of this issue.


View of the trigger safety


Retracted hammer safety

And here is another original weapon from England: a caster, a pistol, a knife. It is called "Defender", that is, "Defender", but who produced this is unknown.


"Defender" in the unfolded form


… and folded!

But the English company "Brothers Linsley" from Leeds pleased the consumer with a completely original "product": a hybrid of a pistol, a knife and ... a fork! "Man-eater's dream"?


Pistol, knife, fork of the company "Brothers Linsley"


Pistol barrel .28 caliber, blued octagonal barrel with flat top and markings: Linsley Bros. Leeds. The breech and trigger are engraved


Folding trigger. Ivory handle pads, which are removed by pushing forward, removing the pads to create separate elements of a knife and fork with folding blades

Unwin and Rogers from Birmingham also dabbled in the production of folding pistols, even with three blades.


Capsule gun-knife by James Rogers. Caliber .32. Made mostly from nickel silver. British trial marks on the barrel indicating the manufacturer and address in Sheffield are present; checkered horn side panels; three 5/8-inch single blade knives are also marked with the manufacturer. But this sample of them was unlucky, its trunk was torn


The so-called "Gallantic" model of the same Unwin and Rogers from Birmingham. This is how this "gallant weapon" looked folded


The trigger was retractable


Two blades for every taste: cut the sausage and stick it in the side!

That seems to be all with the British. But our journey through the countries where such unusual samples of small arms appeared will undoubtedly continue ...

Photos used: littlegun.be
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36 comments
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  1. +3
    April 16 2022 05: 55
    Point one: a good weapon is beautiful in itself(By the way, the Japanese think so too)
    Point two, the more trinkets on the package, the crappier the contents(and this is generally applicable to any product. The coolest thing is expressed in alcohol - buy the most lavishly decorated bottle. There will definitely be slops inside)
    1. +4
      April 16 2022 07: 30
      Often this is so ... But Perde, Dutchman, Richardson are also all in trinkets ...
      And as for designs, the second half of the 19th century is the time of the formation of modern weapons. So the same knife and brass knuckles could well be in demand ...
      How much zaum was during the formation of aircraft at the beginning of the 20th century ...
      Although with regard to the fork, it was really fun and the commentary is not bad (about the cannibal). Although ... What if this is a pistol for hunting rabbits? Shot, immediately cooked and ate ..feel fellow
      1. AUL
        +6
        April 16 2022 08: 26
        "Defender" was mentioned in Jules Verne's story "Robur the Conqueror". When supporters of aeronautics tried to stuff this Robur in the face, he brushed it off with the help of such a stray.
        Although who reads Jules Verne now ... No.
        1. +4
          April 16 2022 09: 19
          Indeed, few people read Vern, mostly some kind of yellow blizzard. Thanks to the author, and the text and photos are excellent. To be honest, I began to miss the pre-war VO .... hi
        2. +2
          April 16 2022 12: 40
          Actually, I read Jules Verne, but I don’t remember such a moment with Defender. He remembered: "Children of Captain Grant" and "Voyage in a Balloon"
          1. AUL
            +4
            April 16 2022 14: 15
            Quote: vladcub
            He remembered: "Children of Captain Grant" and "Voyage in a Balloon"

            "Five Weeks in a Balloon"
            Actually, we published 12 volumes of Jules Verne, and it was far from a complete collection of works! Read online - enjoy!
            1. +3
              April 16 2022 19: 54
              Actually, we published 12 volumes of Jules Verne
              1956 edition, gray volumes.
              1. AUL
                +3
                April 16 2022 20: 06
                Quote: Aviator_
                gray volumes.

                I had blue ones. The first volume is "The Journey of Captain Hatteras" and "Five Weeks in a Balloon" (if sclerosis serves me right).
                1. +5
                  April 16 2022 20: 27
                  Like these ones?
                  [center] I read them all as a child, took them in the library of the garrison House of Officers.
          2. +3
            April 16 2022 16: 26
            My friend Svyatoslav!
            Our Jules Verne has as many as 63 novels! fellow
            It is difficult to grasp the immensity. But! If you set a goal. Why not? Go ahead, everything is in your hands. wink
            1. +3
              April 16 2022 18: 28
              Sergio, remember: "every vegetable has its time", which at 14-15 was swallowed whole. In 50 years .... maybe not go
              V. O Kipling provoked me. I actually only from the cartoon: "Mowgli" knew him
          3. +1
            April 17 2022 02: 40
            And many more topics good mysterious island, 20000 leagues ..... hi
      2. 0
        April 16 2022 11: 18
        Shulyum from a rabbit / hare in nature, yes under drinks
      3. +3
        April 16 2022 12: 32
        Perhaps it is only for hunting rabbits.
        For war, he does not channel. And for the hunter just right. You just need to have matches or flint with you.
        Although, something, somewhere is spinning. The traveler got fire with a blank shot. He probably had a flintlock
      4. +4
        April 16 2022 14: 27
        "a pistol for hunting a rabbit" is even very convenient for truckers now. He stopped and promised, and if, that, you can fight back. There was a Kent trucker and once he was pinned down, while his partner came running. Somehow brushed aside. If they had such a gun, they would have handled it easier.
        That's just the cartridge you need another
    2. +4
      April 16 2022 12: 02
      Item two, the more trinkets on the package, the crappier the contents

      Do not tell. smile

      1. +1
        April 17 2022 10: 58
        Wouldn't mind this.......
  2. -5
    April 16 2022 08: 36
    it's hard to imagine something more vile and vile than a "defender". well, and the scum was its creator ...
    1. +1
      April 16 2022 11: 10
      Whatever happens, we have got
      The Maxim gun, and they have not.
      Hellock, always thought that Kipling, and it's like this ...
      "a dagger is good for those who have it" folk wisdom
    2. +3
      April 16 2022 14: 04
      "More vile and vile" Is the Scout's Knife nobler?
      In essence - a "trunk" for riding. Lord Byron has gathered for a walk, and he is met by "readers". One in the cheekbone, another scratched and move, and shot at the third.
      I wonder how many of these models were produced?
      1. 0
        April 17 2022 08: 12
        Le Fauchet, for sure, had a similar model, a hairpin revolver, and I remember that one of the Belgians ... probably still had it. they disappeared, I think, with the advent of reliable unitary cartridges of modern types.
  3. +2
    April 16 2022 09: 26
    Our country also has interesting ideas.

  4. +3
    April 16 2022 12: 06
    I would also include the Webley-Fosbery automatic revolver in all this. To the "yard" did not come anywhere. request

    1. +1
      April 16 2022 14: 06
      Probably difficult to manufacture and high cost?
      1. +2
        April 16 2022 14: 10
        Not only that, it's just unnecessary.
  5. 0
    April 16 2022 12: 30
    Quote: Sea Cat
    Item two, the more trinkets on the package, the crappier the contents

    Do not tell. smile


    Why? The fuse is junk, the polished handle glides like soap in the shower. Yes, and I suspect that aiming at a gilded fly with a whole aim is like looking at welding
    1. 0
      April 17 2022 02: 48
      Inspired by "can you point a gun at your wife khokhlushka" "S" Petrosyan. hi
      1. +2
        April 17 2022 15: 53
        Duet Leshchenko - Vinokur. What does Petrosyan have to do with it?
        1. 0
          April 17 2022 16: 19
          So I forgot ..... I can be wrong hi
  6. +1
    April 16 2022 13: 03
    Comrades, I looked at these armed show off.
    Well, the creators had fantasies. A gun with 2 knives is complete nonsense. Is it that one is to fight off the adversary, and the other is sterile to cut the sausages. As V.O suggests
  7. +3
    April 16 2022 13: 40
    Vyacheslav, definitely +. The topic seems to be serious, but there is a place for humor.
  8. +1
    April 16 2022 14: 08
    Quote: Cowbra
    Quote: Sea Cat
    Item two, the more trinkets on the package, the crappier the contents

    Do not tell. smile


    Why? The fuse is junk, the polished handle glides like soap in the shower. Yes, and I suspect that aiming at a gilded fly with a whole aim is like looking at welding

    Useful for show-offs
    1. +2
      April 16 2022 16: 31
      Quote from lisikat2
      Useful for show-offs

      For the museum laughing
  9. +3
    April 16 2022 19: 13
    Great article about revolvers. Superbly written, beyond all praise, and extremely interesting and informative. Written at a professional level. The author is a worthy heir to the Beetle case (remember his "Pistols and Revolvers") A +++. author PYASHI YASTCHO.
  10. 0
    April 17 2022 15: 55
    And what is "caster" in "Defender"? In my simple understanding, this is brass knuckles.
  11. 0
    10 October 2022 23: 32
    Quote from Kancelenbogen
    it's hard to imagine something more vile and vile than a "defender". well, and the scum was its creator ...

    On the English-language Internet, I met the opinion that the knife-pistol-knuckles or the knife-pepperbox-knuckles were produced in England for export to France, and representatives of the underworld of Paris were the main buyers. Since it has no defensive meaning - the blade is 8 cm on the M3 screw, and the caliber is about 6-7mm. But it was good for a robbery or finishing off a beaten man.

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