18 most unusual types of firearms from the past (19 photos)

Throughout history, firearms have been not only a means of defense and attack, but also an object of art and a symbol of status. Today we will look at some of the most stylish and original models of the past, each of which has its own unique history and characteristics.





1.Whitney Wolverine



The Whitney Wolverine .22 LR semi-automatic pistol was introduced in 1956 and became a prime example of innovative firearms. Its creator, Robert Hillberg, was a World War II veteran who specialized in aircraft weapons. The pistol featured a "space age" aesthetic and innovative use of aluminum, a lightweight material rarely found in firearms at the time.

The Wolverine had a 11.75 cm barrel and a 10-round magazine, and its total weight was only 652 g. Only 13,371 examples were produced between 1956 and 1958, making it a rare collector's item.

Hillberg named the pistol Wolverine after his favorite University of Michigan football team.

2. German hunting cleaver with pistol and calendar (1528)





A 1528 German hunting knife is an excellent example of the multi-functional design and craftsmanship of the early Renaissance. The author of the curiosity is the blade master of Charles V - Ambrosius Gemlich. Made of steel, bronze, gold and deer antler.

3. Napoleon's three-chamber pistol with box lock, 1802



An iconic weapon from the early 19th century, reflecting the technological advances and personal tastes of the French Emperor. Unlike conventional single-shot pistols of the time, the three-chamber design allowed multiple shots to be fired before reloading, a significant advantage. This design was an early attempt to increase the rate of fire, a concept that was greatly developed in subsequent years.

4. Brass knuckles/revolver (1870)



The Apache revolver is a unique and unconventional firearm from the late 19th century. This device includes the functions of a revolver, brass knuckles and a double-edged knife, making it a versatile tool for close combat. The Apache's compact design makes it easy to conceal, with components folding into a cylinder so you can carry it discreetly in your pocket. This has made the Apache the weapon of choice for covert operations, especially in the criminal underworld.

5. Makarov pistol, a gift to Joseph Stalin for his birthday (1949)



In 1949, Joseph Stalin received a unique birthday gift: a 9x18 mm self-loading pistol designed by Nikolai Fedorovich Makarov. This pistol was approved by the Soviet government for further development and mass production, and by 1951 it became the standard weapon of the army and police.

6. Four-barreled pistol with a flintlock (XVIII century)



The four rifled barrels, a significant innovation, indicate that the pistol was aimed at improving shooting accuracy, one of the key advances in firearms of the time. With an overall length of approximately 18 cm, this compact weapon was designed to be easy to carry, probably as a personal combat weapon. It is also worth noting the beautiful pattern on the handle.

7. Double-barreled pistol of Emperor Charles V (1540)



Peter Peck, a renowned gunsmith and watchmaker, made one of the earliest pistols for Emperor Charles V, who reigned from 1519 to 1556. The weapon features an advanced design for its time, in which two locks are combined into a single mechanism. This design made it possible to ignite the charge in the barrels separately. The pistol is also notable for its artistic details reflecting the status of its owner: the double-headed eagle, symbol of the Roman Empire, and the Pillars of Hercules, representing strength and determination, as well as the Latin motto "PLUS ULTRA" ("beyond limits").

8.Wheel-lock pistol made for Maximilian I of Bavaria (1600)



A unique example, turned from steel by Emanuel Sadeler around 1600-1610. The back of the handle is decorated with the coat of arms of Bavaria and the chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece, of which Maximilian I became a knight in 1600. The decor combines the techniques of steel carving, blackening and gilding.

9. Multi-barreled firearm "Pepper shaker" (1800s)



The Pepper Shaker revolver was popular in North America from 1830 until the Civil War, but the concept dates back much earlier. So, in the 15th century they came up with a ribadekin - a weapon with several cannons for sequential or salvo fire. By 1790, the pepper shaker design had evolved to include flintlock mechanisms (Knock in England and Segallas in Belgium).

10. Turkish gun decorated with ivory



The gun has an octagonal barrel made of Damascus steel. There is a relief sighting plate that increases shooting accuracy. The materials - horn, silver and Damascus steel - demonstrate a harmonious combination of practicality and craftsmanship.

The pistol's lock is adorned with a silver floral design, further highlighting the gunsmith's attention to detail and artistic skill.

11. Elgin Sword Pistol (1837)



The pistol-sword is a unique hybrid weapon, intended primarily for use in close combat, with the pistol being just an addition. Unlike rifles with a bayonet, the pistol-sword is one-piece.

12. Krummlauf (1940s)



The Krummlauf, which means "curved barrel", is a device for the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle, designed for shooting from cover. This device had a curved barrel and a periscope sight, allowing soldiers to fire from around corners without exposing themselves to danger. However, Krummlauf had significant limitations. The curved barrel created enormous stress on both the barrel and the bullets, which led to a sharp reduction in service life. The weapon could only withstand 160-300 shots.

13. Revolver "Velodog" (XIX century)



The emergence of the bicycle as a popular mode of transport in France brought with it an unexpected problem: stray dogs chased and bit cyclists. Rene Galand invented the Velodog revolver to scare away animals. Special, non-life-threatening cartridges loaded with salt, pepper or salt dust were issued for the revolver.

14. Flintlock volley pistol Duck Foot "Duck Foot" (XVIII century)



A distinctive feature of this pistol is the fan arrangement of the barrels, reminiscent of the webbed foot of a duck. This unusual design had practical application in close-range combat situations. When fired, the bullets dispersed, which increased the likelihood of hitting several targets at the same time, especially in a confined space.

15. Gyrojet rifle (1960s)



Gyrojet fires small rockets known as Microjets. These missiles, unlike regular bullets, generate minimal recoil. The innovative design resulted in a weapon that was surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport, making it a novelty on the firearms market at the time. But there was also a significant drawback - low effectiveness in close combat, since the missile accelerates and reaches maximum speed only at a decent distance from the shooter.

16. Borchardt K93 (1893)



Borchardt K93, designed by Hugo Borchardt in 1893, was the first successful self-loading pistol. The engineer also created the original 7.65 mm Borchardt cartridge for it. Despite good ballistic performance and reliability, the pistol proved to be bulky due to the almost vertical grip and uneven weight distribution.

17. Two-millimeter pistol "Hummingbird" (1910)



Watchmaker Franz Pfannl created one of the smallest Hummingbird pistols, and the smallest 2.7x9 mm cartridge for it. "Hummingbird" was advertised as a convenient means of self-defense, which is convenient to carry in a handbag. However, the weapon was weak in power and inaccurate. The Hummingbird was virtually useless if shot at the chest or limbs, but could cause damage if hit in the face.

18. Pistol "Harmonica" (XVIII century)



Weapons with a horizontal chamber block. After firing the shot, the clip moved to the right, inserting the next cartridge. The Harmonica's trigger mechanism is double-action. The barrel length is 11.4 cm. The pistol can fire with both pre-cocking and self-cocking. The earliest known example of an accordion pistol dates back to 1742, designed by the Swiss inventor Velten.