This video explores a unique and historically significant firearm: a pepperbox revolver designed to be hidden within bicycle handlebars in the 1890s. Developed as a "velodog" weapon for cyclist self-defense, primarily against dogs, this 6-shot, 5mm pinfire revolver offered a discreet and readily accessible means of protection. The video highlights its simple double-action bar-hammer mechanism and an unusual split-pin cylinder axis, providing insights into the innovative firearm designs of the era aimed at niche self-defense applications.
This video explores the innovative Marius Berger ring-trigger tube-magazine pistol, manufactured in France in 1880-1881. It details the pistol's unique 4-stage firing cycle initiated by pulling the trigger. A particularly interesting feature highlighted is its unusual two-part magazine tube design, which allows for loading by rotating an inner liner. The video explains how these manually-operated repeating pistols were eventually overshadowed by the advent of semi-automatic designs due to advancements in smokeless powder technology, but emphasizes their historical significance as a period of significant firearm experimentation.
This video from Forgotten Weapons examines the rare Clair Brothers Semiauto Shotgun from the 1890s. The Clair brothers, from Saint Etienne, France, developed a gas-operating system patented in 1889, which they envisioned for various firearms. The video highlights the shotgun as an application of this early gas-operated technology. It also mentions their work on pistols and rifles, and references a previous blog post on their self-loading pistol. The film was made possible through access granted by the Liege Arms Museum in Belgium.
This video analyzes the Gaulois (Gallic) palm pistol, a compact squeeze-type firearm manufactured by Manufrance in St. Etienne during the 1890s. It details the pistol's 5-round capacity for 8mm ammunition and its unique firing mechanism activated by squeezing the rear grip. The description explains the Gaulois' eventual decline in popularity due to advancements in conventional handguns, offering comparable or superior functionality without the design complexities of palm pistols. The video also references similar designs like the Chicago Protector and My Friend, highlighting the historical context of these novel handgun types.
You've reached the end! 4 videos loaded.
