Tula 29 cm Russian pistol

Reproduction of a metal and wood spark gun with simulator mechanism for loading and firing.

Sparkguns had a flint or flintlock, which, when the hammer was operated, produced the spark that ignited the gunpowder. All these guns required manual reloading of their ammunition after each shot. The ammunition, which was inserted through the muzzle, consisted of powder, taco shells and paper, which served to keep the two previous plugs compressed in the barrel.

In the face of duels with swords, the use of these weapons was equivalent to the opponents, as they were in the same condition at the moment of firing.

The duel developed from the desire of one party to wash away an insult to its honour. The objective was generally not to kill the opponent, but to obtain 'satisfaction', e.g. restoring one's honour by putting one's life on the line to defend it. In many countries, duels were not recognised as a legal means of saving honour, so duellists resorted to doing so in remote places and almost always at dawn.

Relive the most exciting duels of honour with the historical reproduction of this DENIX pistol!