18th-century crowd control. The Ducksfoot pistol with firearm and weapon expert Jonathan Ferguson

This video explains the mechanics and operation of the flintlock mechanism, a primary firearm of the Revolutionary War. It details the loading procedures for both muskets using paper cartridges and long rifles using powder horns and greased patches, highlighting the differences in reloading speed and accuracy between the two firearm types.

This video provides an in-depth examination of a miniature 18th-century flintlock pistol, highlighting its functional design and intricate craftsmanship. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details its construction, comparing it to a full-sized counterpart, and discusses its features like the turn-off barrel and decorative silver mounts. The pistol is attributed to London gunmaker Robert Wilson, active in the mid-18th century, and is presented as a remarkable example of historical miniature firearm production.

Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries, details a unique triple-barrel, triple-lock flintlock pistol attributed to London gunmaker James Freeman, active from 1738-1756, likely manufactured around 1740. The pistol is notable for its rifled barrels, unusual firing sequence dictated by its complex lockwork, and decorative silver mounts. Its design, including peculiar non-functional front sights, suggests it was a custom commission rather than a standard production piece.

This video provides a historical overview of the American Revolutionary War, focusing on key figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and detailing the types of firearms used by American, French, and British forces. It highlights the evolution of weaponry from early flintlocks to the more powerful blunderbuss, emphasizing their historical context and capabilities.

This video provides an expert overview of the French Model 1717 Rampart Musket, a .78 caliber flintlock firearm used during the American Revolution. Ian McCollum, a recognized expert, details its historical context, design purpose for fortifications, unique physical characteristics, and arsenal markings. The presentation also touches upon its tactical use in America and subsequent modifications by the Springfield Arsenal.

This video details the British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol, a flintlock firearm crucial during the Napoleonic Wars. It highlights the pistol's design lineage, its specific features for naval use like the carrying hook, and its role in close-quarters boarding actions where capturing ships for prize money was a key objective.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.