FLINT PISTOL 1196

Reproduction of a flintlock pistol made of metal and wood with a simulated loading and firing mechanism.

Flintlock pistols had a flint stone, which when the hammer was pulled produced a spark that ignited the gunpowder. All these pistols required manual reloading of their ammunition after each shot. The ammunition, which was introduced through the muzzle, consisted of gunpowder, projectile and a paper wad, which served as a plug to keep the two previous ones compressed inside the barrel.

Compared to sword duels, the use of these weapons equalized the opponents, since they were in the same conditions when shooting.

Dueling was conducted at the will of one of the parties to cleanse an insult to his honour. The aim was not generally to kill the opponent, but to achieve "satisfaction", for example by restoring one's own honour by risking one's life to defend it. In many countries, dueling was not recognised as a legal means of preserving honour, so duelists resorted to conducting them in remote places and almost always at dawn.

Measurements: 37 cm
Weight: 570 g