Pair of pistols

Each of this pair of pistols are percussion-lock pistols. Originally flintlock, with a Miquelet lock. Barrel with ornaments of silver inlay. Brass trimming with cameos of silver-covered lead 18 mm calibre.

These guns were produced in pairs and sold with different accessories that in this case have not reached us. The percussion cap mechanism, invented by Alexander John Forsyth in 1807, was based on a hammer that pivots on a central axis and a material that is highly explosive when struck. These two pieces incorporate the development of the piston (a copper cap containing a mercury fulminate inside) which, when struck by the hammer, exploded and transferred its fire to the powder charge in the barrel.

This pair of pistols are typical Catalan firearms, in this case with a flintlock, that developed and were replaced with a percussion lock. These pistols were produced in Catalonia and are an example of the excellent quality achieved by Spanish arms experts from the 16-17th century, while the significant presence of German and Italian arms-makers in Spain at the time should not be underrated.