Russian Tula Flintlock Pistol, Russia 18th century

Description of the Product

A flintlock pistol was loaded through the barrel and the black powder poured into the barrel was ignited by a flint attached to the striker. When triggered, the flint scratched the fire iron and the resulting sparks ignited the gunpowder, propelling a lead ball along the barrel to its target. Because the loading of such a pistol was slow and the pistol could only be fired at close range, in a practical combat situation the weapon was virtually single-use. After one shot, a sword was pulled out and the pistol could be used as a small mallet, to block an opponent’s sword strikes, or to throw at an opponent.

In 1712, Peter the Great founded the Tula Arsenal in the Tula region of Eastern Europe. Tula's arsenal was set up to prepare weapons for the citizens of the Tula area in the event of an attack by nomadic tribes. Most of Russia's weapons were manufactured in Moscow, and there were not enough weapons for defense in the Tula area. Tula’s arsenal initially manufactured light infantry and dragoon rifles and flintlock pistols for both the Imperial Army and civilian buyers. Soon the factory also began making knives and swords. In the late 18th century, the factory flourished, producing highly finished and decorated weapons. Tula's arsenal employed several of the best-known master blacksmiths of the time, who developed new manufacturing and decoration techniques. Tula's arsenal grew and was the center of imperial Russian arms production. Finns were also in charge of the factory, with Finland being part of the empire. Arsenal changed its name to Tula Arms Plant during the Soviet era, and is still in operation.

During the reign of Peter the Great, Russia flourished and became a European superpower. The administration was vigorously developed, the military was reformed, the navy was established, cities were built at a rapid pace, and Western European customs and style were introduced. The Great Northern War against Sweden in 1714-1721 elevated Russia as the leading superpower to replace Sweden in Northern Europe. Although this weapon is from the Russian Tula arms factory, the somewhat free trade in goods and Russia's important place in Europe at the time meant that such a pistol could have been encountered in Finland, Paris and the Caribbean in the hands of a pirate.

In this decorative flintlock pistol, the faucet / hammer holding the flint and its jaws are in the shape of a bird's head. The same bird symbolism is repeated in the handle. Peter the Great had introduced a coat of arms in 1710, the symbol of which was a double-headed eagle, which remained in use until the First World War and the disintegration of the empire.

In the original the handle would have been ivory (or possibly walrus), and in this replica the handle plates are synthetic material.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original in size and 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.
• 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.
• 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: 29 cm
• Weight: 560 g
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

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