The Apache -- A 19th Century Personal Protection Gadget

That is downright neato. I like the way it is crafted.

Looks a little awkward to actually use if things went down fast. Maybe it was meant to be intimidating, but not ever actually used?

I want this

Haha... that looks more dangerous to the user than the target.

I remember first seeing one of these things in a book when I was in highschool. I can't imagine how many times this thing must have broke during it's 3 possible uses.

It's a lawnmover!

Wait, it's not a "what is it" page?

It's like the Swiss Army knife for criminals ...

Over 100 years later, I carry a Buck, a Walther, and Karate trained fists. That thing looks a lot easier.

I would totally buy this

That can be topped. I bought a book about guns through the ages, and one was a lot like this one, only the trigger was also a corkscrew.

Looks to me like a 50:50 chance of shooting yourself

@D.D.

I'd take the Walther over this thing anyday. Use things that do the job right, not one that can do three things half assed. That Pepper box can only be used at point blank range, and if your going to do that your better off with a good blade in your hands.

How Gangsta.

How Steampunk.

@D.D. Over hundred years later I'm Very happy that where I live I don't need to carry a piece and a knife and that I can leave my ... ehhhh ...Minimi Para and Glock 18 in the army-barracks while I do my civvy duties in life.

I've seen one af few years ago. It seemed to have been made for a childs hand or for a small womens hand. But it was exquisite, a true jewel, indeed an Ultimate Gadget for the arms-afficionado.
The Apache was somewhat of a powerful fashion-statement with a deterrent edge for women.
All 3 weapons within this one piece were more dangerous for the health of the user than for anyone at the business ends of it. The knife would stand a chance to break or bend the instance it hit bone, or it would fold and slice the hand of the user instead. The brass knuckles could shatter the fingerbones of the user on impact with a jawbone. The firing of the rounds could cause some dangerous flash at the backside and it even could dislocate the cillinder with dangerous consequences. And if the bullet was fired properly, chance was that the bullet would go in the wrong direction within the first 5ft because of lack of any helping barrel.

...But imagine the social effects of carrying such a piece- The carrier would have almost instant conversation, she would be considered "cool", a bit dangerous, someone with a somewhat dark and mysterious and therefore even erotic vale. Perhaps in the eye of certain gentlemen some degree sexual attraction because the Lady Carries an Apache...

I'm the guy who wrote the original post, and I always get a great deal of feedback from people who wonder if the gun can be used today as a self defense weapon.

Short answer is that I suppose so, but it really sucks when compared to modern arms.

The pistol rounds are about .25 caliber, but the gun uses the weak and inefficient pinfire system. I would be surprised if an Apache could generate the same power as a .22 Short cartridge, the weakest of all the modern loads.

The gun was designed in the 1870's, and it is painfully obvious that the average person back then was much smaller than today. I don't mean they were thinner, although they were, but they were also just plain smaller in all dimensions due to poor nutrition while growing up. The Apache was designed for them and not us.

The weird bayonet/knife is less than 2 inches long, and the holes in the brass knuckles are so small that the average modern 13 year old has trouble forcing their fingers in. If the gun is folded up into its compact pocket configuration, two of them would fit on a dollar bill.

So who would actually buy such a thing, especially when potent and effective guns like the Webley Bulldog were available? Usually rich city dwellers who were afraid of getting mugged, but who had no idea what was needed to defend themselves. They bought the Apache because they were impressed with how it looked and how it wouldn't be a pain to carry around.

Considering the extreme interest this gun always generates amongst people interested in self defense, I think that there is a market for an updated version. Say something chambered for the .38 Special cartridge, with a beefier frame, knuckle duster and bayonet. But, since the BATF would freak, it isn't going to happen.

James

Nowadays, we have the great grandchildren of the Derringers and other Saturdaynight Specials that were sold in those same 1870's-1900's. And we have the peppersprays and tasers. So there's enough expert weapons out there in good shooting or good stabbing or good punching to leave any hybrid in the dust that can do all, but is master of none.

But James- Kudos to you that you brought iconic the Apache in the limelight!

These little toys were quite popular with the opium and absinthe set in late 19th century Paris. The stereotype of the guy in the beret and striped shirt, slapping and throwing around his girlfriend as they danced something like a tango was a reflection of the urban Parisian thugs who carried this appliance. Some of the wilder gangs were dubbed "Apaches" by the gendarmes--partly for the weapon and partly for their behavior. About then that slap-dancing tango became known as the "Apache Dance."

Cant get my hands on one of those... but i'll definately be getting one of these Brass Knuckle Mug's

http://www.thabto.co.uk/mug.htm

My dad's getting one for fathers day

:lol: That mug is Tha Bomb!!! :lol:

I only hope that they made the porcelein strong enough... :-P

WOW!! Gold Plated was always a bling bling at that time.. :P

That can be topped. I bought a book about guns through the ages, and one was a lot like this one, only the trigger was also a corkscrew.