How do I care for a steel barrel flintlock gun?

Keep the metal lightly oiled to prevent oxidation and store the piece in a stable, dry environment away from excessive humidity. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents that might remove historical patina or damage original wood finishes. Period arms require gentle handling and regular inspection of moving lock components to ensure preservation. Professional conservation is recommended for any mechanical maintenance.

Were these guns used in military service?

Many examples on this page served active duty during eighteenth and nineteenth-century conflicts, including the Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic era. Regulation patterns were issued to cavalry, infantry, and sea service units. Civilian counterparts existed alongside military arms for personal defence, travel, and sporting use. These private purchases often exhibited greater decorative refinement than standard government-issue pieces.

What is the difference between a pistol and a musket?

Pistols are shorter arms designed for one-handed use by officers, cavalrymen, or civilians for personal protection during travel. Muskets are longer, heavier long guns intended to be fired from the shoulder by infantry troops. Both systems share the same underlying flintlock ignition technology but serve entirely different tactical roles. Their dimensions and mounting furniture reflect these intended methods of deployment.