Huge Dumonthier Bowie Knife Revolver

Published on August 18, 2025
Duration: 9:31

This expert-level review from Forgotten Weapons delves into the unique Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver. Ian McCollum, an expert in historical firearms, details its 11mm pinfire action, construction, and historical context, including Dumonthier's patents and French proof marks. The review highlights the firearm's robust build compared to other knife-guns and discusses the mechanics and historical significance of pinfire ammunition.

Quick Summary

The Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver is a rare late 19th-century firearm from Paris, France, merging an 8.5-inch Bowie blade with an 11mm, six-shot pinfire revolver. Expert Ian McCollum notes its solid construction, Lefaucheux system, and French proof marks, distinguishing it from lesser knife-guns.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to Dumonthier Knife-Gun
  2. 00:26Dumonthier's Prolific Work
  3. 01:34Knife-Gun Description & Specs
  4. 02:08Action and Loading Mechanism
  5. 03:38Markings and History
  6. 05:27Sights and Blade Utility
  7. 05:57Pinfire Ammunition Details
  8. 07:09Pinfire Pros and Cons
  9. 07:51Quality and Durability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver?

The Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver is a rare, antique firearm combining a large Bowie knife with an integrated 11mm pinfire revolver. Made in Paris, France, likely in the late 1800s by Joseph Celestine Dumonthier, it represents a unique category of knife-gun combinations.

What type of ammunition does the Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver use?

This firearm utilizes 11mm pinfire cartridges, an early form of self-contained ammunition popular before centerfire became widespread. The video shows original Eley Bros. Limited cartridges designed for Lefaucheux revolvers.

How can one identify the origin and age of a Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver?

Identification involves examining markings like 'DUMONTHIER BREVETE S.G.D.G.', the serial number, and crucially, French proof marks such as the boxed 'E' with a lion's head, which helps date the firearm and suggests potential manufacturing origins, possibly Belgian for French retail.

What distinguishes the Dumonthier Bowie knife revolver from other knife-guns?

Expert analysis highlights the Dumonthier's exceptionally solid and stout construction, making it appear far more durable and potentially functional as both a knife and a firearm compared to lighter, less robust designs like the Apache knife.

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