Kentucky Pistol, USA 18th Century

Description of the Product

The Kentucky pistol is a classic American weapon used by early pioneers, explorers, and settlers. This pistol was used during both the American War of Independence (1775-1783) and the Civil War (1861-1865). Kentucky pistols were often carried with a Kentucky rifle, both of which used ammunition of the same caliber. The Kentucky rifle and pistol were also Davy Crockett’s favorite weapons.

Kentucky rifles were the first firearms made in America that are clearly of their own style and differed from weapons imported from Europe, where arms production was more sophisticated and had long traditions. Kentucky pistols were made after German military pistols. Settlers from Germany began making both pistols and long rifles in the early 18th century. Making rifling, spiral grooves inside the barrel, had only just been invented in Germany and some of these gunsmiths had moved to the new world bringing these skills with them. The rifling inside the barrel causes the bullet to rotate, which stabilizes bullets flight, improving accuracy and range of the weapon. Kentucky pistols are good examples of the first pistols using rifled barrels.

From the 18th to the early 19th century, European settlements existed only the east coast of North America, west coast being the farthest place on earth one can sail to from Europe. The long journey across the great continent to the west coast was completely unknown and uncharted to Europeans, with the exception of some scattered stories and legends. Frontier explorers and the settlers who ventured there needed a reliable weapon to cope and survive in the wild, where no law yet existed and where violent encounters with the natives were common.

The first Kentucky pistols and rifles were made in the 1710s and their popularity steadily rose, so that in the 1750s these weapons were a common sight in the frontier. These pistols remained in use in frontier areas and in the Wild West until the end of the 19th century. The first time these guns were used in war happened when the Seven Years' War spread from Europe to America. The French and Indian War was fought in 1754–1763 when the English and French battled for the control of North America. Moments later, Kentucky rifles and pistols were once again in the throes of war when all 13 British American colonies declared independence and fought against the English in 1765-1783. Britain had naval supremacy, but settlers accustomed to using their long hunting rifles in the countryside held their ground. The U.S. War of Independence was the most significant war in terms of the use of Kentucky pistols and rifles, but these guns were still used during the Civil War nearly a hundred years later in 1861-1865, when Southern troops deployed all possible equipment because of weapon and supply shortages.

Flintlock pistols were muzzle-loaded pistols in which the blackpowder charge ignites when the flint strikes a spark from the steel part of the lock. Flintlocks became common during the 17th century and maintained their popularity until about the middle of the 19th century, when they were replaced by the more reliable and easier-to-use percussion caps, which were less prone to being affected by the weather and other circumstances.

Flintlock pistols were used as self-defense weapons and as a military arm. Their effective range was short. In combat these weapons were often used only for a single shot, since the method of reloading was very slow, which is why they were frequently used together with a sword. After the single shot the pistol could be used as a small mallet, to block an opponent’s sword strikes, or to throw at an opponent.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size, but may be slightly lighter in weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Genuine wood and cast metal has been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Non firing replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 39 cm
• Weight: 650 g
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

The most famous battle where Kentucky rifles and pistols were used is the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 that was fought between USA and England. About a quarter of the men under Andrew Jackson (he later became a president) was from Kentucky. Brilliant song called Hunters of Kentucky tells about this battle. This song was also used by Andrew Jackson in his presidential campaigns.

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