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AEDA PAIR OF RARE RUSSIAN TULA FACTORY FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY IVAN POLIN, 18TH CEN.
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About Auction
LiveMar 22, 2026
Antique arms, armor, decorations, prints, books and more. Helios Auctions info@heliosauctions.com
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- Lot Description
A finely matched pair of Russian flintlock pistols produced at the Imperial Tula Arms Factory and attributed to the master gunsmith Ivan Polin, dating to the second half of the 18th century. Each pistol is fitted with a steel barrel of octagonal-to-round section secured by pins, the locks of classical Russian form engraved with foliate scrollwork and signed in Cyrillic with the maker’s name (IÐ’ÐÐЪ ПОЛIÐЪ). The stocks are of richly figured hardwood, carved with rococo-style scrolls and further enhanced with engraved silver wire inlay along the grips. Brass mounts feature engraved spurred pommels, side plates, and trigger guards, the latter with elegant scrolling terminals. Both pistols retain their original steel ramrods and exhibit the refined workmanship and balanced proportions characteristic of high-quality Tula production intended for aristocratic or courtly use. The pair is notable for its strong state of preservation, close matching throughout, and clear association with one of Tula’s documented 18th-century masters, making it a rare survival of Imperial Russian civilian arms.
The craftsmanship of the Tula armourers reached its height in the second half of the 18th century, when elaborately decorated weapons and related objects were highly prized. A distinctive and exceptionally refined form of diamond-cut steel—an original technique developed in Tula—together with other closely guarded methods of finishing metal and wood, emerged during this period. The finest examples of Tula's applied decorative art achieved renown far beyond Russia’s borders and remain celebrated today.
By the close of the 18th century, the names of outstanding gunsmiths had become widely known, among them Ivan Polin, designer of one of the earliest multi-shot repeating firearms.
L: 16 7/8 in., (43 cm.)
Condition
Both pistols are complete and matching, with original barrels, locks, stocks, mounts, and ramrods. Metal surfaces show light areas of age-related patina consistent with 18th-century arms. Locks appear mechanically complete, with normal wear to frizzens and cocks. Good action. Stocks show handling wear, minor dents, and abrasions, with silver wire inlay largely intact.
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