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Flintlock pistol
18th century
Castle Museum in Łańcut
Part of the collection: Broń, instrumenty, varia
The Prussian-type flintlock pistol produced in Potsdam is a gunpowder weapon. It features a thickened barrel at the bottom and an elongated brass front sight. This type of weapon was particularly popular during the Kościuszko Uprising and was used by cavalry. In the flintlock mechanism, the ignition of the powder on the pan was initiated by sparks generated when the flint, clamped in the jaws of the cock, struck the frizzen (a steel plate). The flame from the pan passed through the touchhole on the side of the barrel into the chamber, igniting the ejection charge and firing the shot. In the case of flintlock pistols and their ammunition, gunpowder was poured into the barrel, rammed with a ramrod, a ball was inserted, and then rammed again. The relatively simple construction of the flintlock pistol allowed for easy field repairs. The flintlock mechanism bears the inscription Potzdam magaz/dse, referring to the royal armoury, POTZDAM MAGAZIN. The handle, with a flattened pommel, is fitted with a brass cap. The pistol was made using gunsmith steel. The calibre of the pistol is 18 mm, and it was manufactured around 1780.
Cyprian Biernat
Object type
military
Material
steel
Creation time / dating
Owner
Muzeum - Zamek w Łańcucie
Identification number
Location / status
18th century
Castle Museum in Łańcut
1. połowa XX wieku
Castle Museum in Łańcut
1. połowa XX wieku
Castle Museum in Łańcut
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