Danish 1865/97 Pinfire Conversion Revolver

Published on September 6, 2016
Duration: 7:54

This entry details the Danish 1865/97 revolver, a significant piece of firearm evolution. Originally a pinfire model, it was expertly converted to centerfire in 1897 by Georg Christensen at Kronborg Gevaerfabrik. The conversion involved modifying the hammer and breech plate, and it utilized a unique 11.45mm centerfire cartridge with a wooden-cored, nickel-plated bullet. These revolvers served the Danish military for an exceptionally long period, remaining in service until the end of World War II.

Quick Summary

The Danish 1865/97 revolver represents a fascinating firearm conversion, evolving from an 11mm pinfire to an 11.45mm centerfire in 1897. Designed by Georg Christensen, it featured a unique wooden-cored bullet and served the Danish military until WWII, with only 850 units remaining after conversion, making it a rare collector's item.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Danish Revolver
  2. 00:20M1865 Pinfire Adoption
  3. 00:40M1865 Pinfire Details
  4. 01:06Centerfire Adoption by Danish Army
  5. 01:19M1865/97 Conversion to Centerfire
  6. 01:43Long Service Life
  7. 02:10Rarity & Production Numbers
  8. 02:30Pinfire Visual Evidence
  9. 02:56Hammer Conversion
  10. 03:32Manual Safety
  11. 03:47Loading & Ejector Rod
  12. 04:29Lanyard Loop & Sights
  13. 04:53Unit Markings
  14. 05:20Original Markings & Serial
  15. 05:36Conversion Origin
  16. 05:55Unique Ammunition Design
  17. 06:20Connection to Schouboe Pistol
  18. 07:09Conclusion & Auction Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Danish 1865/97 revolver?

The Danish 1865/97 revolver is significant for its evolution from a pinfire mechanism to a centerfire system in 1897, designed by Georg Christensen. It served the Danish military for nearly a century, showcasing remarkable longevity and technological adaptation for its era.

What made the 11.45mm cartridge for the Danish 1865/97 unique?

The 11.45mm centerfire cartridge used with the converted Danish 1865/97 revolver featured a distinctive wooden-cored, nickel-plated bullet. This innovative design aimed to reduce the bullet's weight for its caliber, thereby increasing velocity and penetration.

How was the Danish 1865 pinfire revolver converted to centerfire?

The conversion involved modifying the original hammer by cutting off its pin-striking finger and adding a centerfire-style firing pin through the breech plate. This allowed the revolver to fire modern centerfire cartridges.

What is the rarity of the Danish 1865/97 revolver?

The Danish 1865/97 revolver is considered rare, especially in the United States. Only about 1000 M1865 pinfire revolvers were originally produced, and after the 1897 conversion, only 850 remained.

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