Werder M1869
Königlich Bayerische Gewehrfabrik Amberg · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1869
Also known as: Werdergewehr M/1869, Bavarian Lightning, Bayerisch Blitzgewehr
Overview
The Werder M1869 was a single-shot, falling-block breech-loading infantry rifle adopted by the Kingdom of Bavaria and designed by Johann Ludwig Werder. Based on a refined Peabody-style rear-hinged dropping block, it used a distinctive lever-and-hammer cocking mechanism that allowed an exceptionally rapid rate of fire of 20-24 rounds per minute. Chambered for the 11x50mmR Werder cartridge, it earned the nickname 'Bayerisch Blitzgewehr' (Bavarian Lightning Rifle) during the Franco-Prussian War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1315 mm (51.77") |
| Barrel Length | 890 mm (35.04") |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 22 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 11x50mmR Werder · primary — also known as 11mm Werder, 11.5mm Werder
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock
- Features: Dropping Block Action, Lever Cocking Mechanism, Ramp And Leaf Sight, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- Werder M1869 Aptiertes — Rechambered
Service history
Operators
- Royal Bavarian Army · adopted 1869 · as Werdergewehr M/1869
Conflicts
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
Production
Estimated total produced: 100,000 · Production years: 1869-1871
Initial order of 100,000 infantry rifles completed by 1871; produced at the Bavarian state arsenal at Amberg, with additional output from Suhl and from Auguste Francotte in Liège
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Johann Ludwig Werder
Discontinued: 1877
Notes
Many were later rechambered as the M1869 Aptiertes ('altered') to fire the 11x60mmR Mauser M71 cartridge for ammunition commonality with the Prussian Gewehr 1871. Replaced from 1877 by the M1871 Mauser.
Background
The Werder's lever-cocked action fired so fast that Bavarian troops dubbed it the 'Bavarian Lightning,' and Werder built a matching single-shot pistol on the same mechanism nicknamed the 'Bavarian Lightning pistol.'