Werder pistol model 1869

The Werder pistol model 1869 was an infantry and light cavalry falling block pistol, invented by Johann Ludwig Werder in Bavaria and based on his rifle design of 1868.[1] It was one of the first centerfire pistols to be adopted for use by a European military.[2]

Werder pistol model 1869
Type	Service pistol
Place of origin	Bavaria
Production history
Designer	Johann Ludwig Werder
Designed	1869
Specifications
Cartridge	11.5mm Werder
Calibre	11.5mm
Action	falling block
Sights	Fixed front blade and rear notch

Although it was originally known as the "Bavarian Lightning pistol" because of its rate of fire,[3] the Werder pistol proved too heavy for practical use, and was not used during the Franco-Prussian War.[4]

It was also fazed out by the Dreyse Rifles still used by 1870 and was put into training service in 1891 with the introduction of the Gewehr 88.

Sources and references

1. Walter, John (25 March 2006). Rifles of the World. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 514. ISBN 0-89689-241-7.
2. Harder, Heinrich E. (2004). Der Reichsrevolver und seine Varianten. DWJ Verlags-Gesellschaft. ISBN 978-3-936632-40-8.
3. Farwell, Byron (2001). The Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-century Land Warfare: An Illustrated World View. W.W. Norton. p. 88. ISBN 978-0-393-04770-7.
4. Serven, James; Tanner, Hans (1988). Guns of the World. Random House. ISBN 978-0-517-22518-9.

• Werder, Johann Ludwig, Horst Held = Antique Handguns