The pistol featured in the exhibition was a very popular weapon among the Adyghes, especially among feudal nobles. According to written sources, fire weapons began to be actively used in Circassia in the second half of the XVII century.
Circassian flintlock pistol
Creation period
Middle of the ХIХ century
Technique
Wood, leather, steel, silver; forging, minting, casting, engraving, blackening
Exhibition
11
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Circassian flintlock pistol
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In 1711, French traveler Aubrey de la Mottraye wrote that Circassians had learned to create fire weapons similar to those owned by Tartars. Besides that, they started making gunpowder on their own. Nevertheless, mass production of pistols started in Circassia only in the 18th century. Before that, arms came to Caucasus from the West.
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Khan-Girey, folklore expert and ethnographer, wrote:
‘Circassians of the higher class always have a charged pistol with them, and this weapons is often the cause of death during accidental discussions’.
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The Adyghes used to take two pistols with them: they carried one of them in a holster on their left side, with the handle pointing forward, and the other one, behind the belt on the back. Pistols made in Circassia had a flint receiver similar to that of a gun, but smaller.
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The construction of such pistols allowed shooting better with the left hand than with the right. It can be explained by the fact that a Circassian, in close-in battles, held a saber in his right hand, and used the pistol as an auxiliary weapon.
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It is not easy to hit a distant target with a Circassian pistol: the range and the accuracy were not perfect, and that was why such pistols were used mostly in close-in battles.
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That was how Teofil Lapinski, a Polish coronel that led the troop that fought with the Circassians in the Caucasian War, described that Adyghe weapon. He also mentioned that
‘many families do no other thing that prepare the gunpowder and receive significant income from that’.
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However, the domestic production was not sufficient, and the gunpowder was brought to Circassia from abroad, mostly from Crimea and Turkey.
A lanyard was attached to the handle of the weapon: it was not only a functional detail but also a decoration. Such lanyards, as well as holsters, were often given to Adyghe men as a gift by women.
A lanyard was attached to the handle of the weapon: it was not only a functional detail but also a decoration. Such lanyards, as well as holsters, were often given to Adyghe men as a gift by women.
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Circassian flintlock pistol
Creation period
Middle of the ХIХ century
Technique
Wood, leather, steel, silver; forging, minting, casting, engraving, blackening
Exhibition
11
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