A peculiar pair of pocket percussion pistols with firearms expert, Jonathan Ferguson

This entry details the Kubura Pećanka, a flintlock pistol from the Peć region, influenced by the Ottoman Empire and used from the mid-18th century into WWI. Expert Jonathan Ferguson highlights its construction, including imported locks and barrels assembled with local stocks and brass furniture, noting its distinct Balkan decorative style and functional features like vertically grooved frizzens. Despite perceived 'crude' fit by Western standards, its longevity was due to cultural significance, affordability, and ease of maintenance.

This video showcases a rare set of Lepage wax-bullet dueling pistols from 19th century France, designed to make dueling a safe sport. The pistols use a unique dummy cartridge system with a primer and a wax bullet, and require a special screw-on handguard for shooter safety. The demonstration covers cartridge assembly and the break-action mechanism of these historical sporting firearms.

This video explores the firearms one might have carried in 1878, proposing a 'battery' of a handgun, rifle, and shotgun. Expert instructor Hickok45 details the Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver, the Iron Frame Henry rifle, and the ubiquitous 12-gauge double-barrel coach gun, providing historical context and live-fire demonstrations. The discussion highlights how wealth and location influenced firearm access during that era.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson discussing the unusual, straight grip design of mid-19th century percussion pistols from Marseille, France, manufactured by the Viallon family. Ferguson explains the historical and functional reasons behind this distinctive aesthetic, which appears more modern than contemporary pistol grips. The video also promotes upcoming events, museum support, and the Royal Armouries' resources.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining two pocket pistols that may have been used during the American War of 1812. The pistols were ordered by Thomas B. van Horn, a US militia and Army officer, from British gunmaker Robert Wheeler. Ferguson will guide viewers through the fascinating historical artifacts, exploring their design and potential military application during that era. The Royal Armouries, the UK's national collection of arms and armour, presents this content, encouraging viewers to subscribe and support their efforts to bring history to life.

This video features Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries, discussing 19th-century concealed self-defense pistols designed to appear as jewelry cases. The presentation explores the concept of firearms disguised as everyday objects, questioning their practical utility. The Royal Armouries museum is highlighted, encouraging subscriptions and support.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.