Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a Classic Imperial Russian Cossack Percussion Pistol, as was produced during the 1840s-1850s. Utilizing the then modern percussion lock, these replaced examples which were still using such outdated ignition systems as the Snaphaunce. Much less ornamented than early examples, this was made to be a utilitarian weapon, not a show piece, though it doe still retain the interesting "ball trigger" favored in the Caucasus. The rifled barrel it has definitely increased the accuracy compared to earlier versions as well.

The pistol was in fact captured in the Crimean War at the Battle of ALMA. In 1854 at this Battle the Russians on one side, the British, French and Turks on the other, each side lost about 5,000 in casualties. It was considered an Allied Victory but was poorly executed and finally very badly managed afterwards.

The pistol has a 12 1/2 inch .63" barrel with 4 groove rifling, and measures 18 inches in overall length. It stamped on the right side of the stock with ALMA and also A.M. DEAN, a British soldier whom we have not researched in these early days since its coming to us. Condition is quite good, showing years of storage and cleaning, probably in some regimental museum or elsewhere. We can tell from the stains on the stock that it used to have a lower barrel band, and probably had some time of nose fitting at one time as well, now lost to the ages.

The lock is still functional, but the tumbler is worn, and it will fire from both half cock and full cock, and not smoothly. The bore is still relatively nice, showing the rifling well with some speckled oxidation near the muzzle.

Frankly if there would be ANY memento that company director Christian Cranmer would cherish from the Crimean War, this would be it! Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: .63" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 18 Inches
Action: Miquelet Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.