Caucasian percussion pistol ?

Jim McDougall · 5th July 2025, 01:29 PM

Thank you Udo! So then is it possible that Herman Tanner was still the producer of the 2000 pistols described for Kuban Cossacks for Crimean defense?
It seems the Kuban were comprised of various Cossack groups who had relocated into Northern Caucusus end of 18th c.

Jim McDougall · 21st July 2025, 07:20 PM

When I acquired this pistol during the 90s, I was keenly into research on the Crimean War (1854-56) , specifically the famed "Charge of the Light Brigade" at Balaklava, Crimea Oct. 25, 1854. While I was focused on the swords of the Light Brigade and accompanying arms, I wanted full perspective and some representation of other arms in that context.

In research in posting this, thanks to Norman and Udo, it appears this is a Cossack pistol made in Liege by Hermann Tanner, or from components from Liege for the Kuban Cossacks during the Crimean War. From sources provided kindly by Udo, the firm of Tanner & Sohne were situated in Hanover from 1854, but with offices in Liege. There seems to be unsubstantiated notes claiming a contract of 2000. The Liege offices appear to have closed after 1856.

The Kuban Cossacks were mostly comprised of Zaporozhian Cossacks (Ukraine) and minorities of those of other hosts, who were relocated in southernmost regions of Russia, those of Kuban, in the latter 18th c.
During the Crimean War the Kuban Cossacks were posted to Crimea and repulsed Anglo-French landings off coast of Tamar. They also were highly involved in the defense of Sevastopol.

I have seen three other examples, all virtually identical of these. It seems they are of .600 (25 bore) and typically noted as from Liege, with one having such markings.

These were apparently issued in pairs placed in saddle mount holsters.

Pictured Kuban Cossack; the percussion pistol; a Caucasian shashka of form possibly in use in these times by these groups speculatively.

Jim McDougall · 22nd July 2025, 02:23 PM

Ian, might this topic be better placed in European? If so may I request same?

Thank you,
Jim

Jim McDougall · 22nd July 2025, 10:57 PM

In interesting notes with further information, an auction lists one of these as being of .600 cal. (25 bore) (Thank you Norman!) which seems to have been a popular caliber from Europe with some of the large 'horse pistols' earlier in France and England.

In some old notes regarding shashkas and imported blades I found the name Tanner listed along with blades sources Solingen and Styria, suggesting this form certainly must have been an active purveyor of arms for the Caucusus.

Ian · 23rd July 2025, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Ian, might this topic be better placed in European? If so may I request same?

Thank you,
Jim

Sure Jim

21st July 2025, 07:20 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,553	Further updates-KUBAN Cossacks in Crimean War When I acquired this pistol during the 90s, I was keenly into research on the Crimean War (1854-56) , specifically the famed "Charge of the Light Brigade" at Balaklava, Crimea Oct. 25, 1854. While I was focused on the swords of the Light Brigade and accompanying arms, I wanted full perspective and some representation of other arms in that context. In research in posting this, thanks to Norman and Udo, it appears this is a Cossack pistol made in Liege by Hermann Tanner, or from components from Liege for the Kuban Cossacks during the Crimean War. From sources provided kindly by Udo, the firm of Tanner & Sohne were situated in Hanover from 1854, but with offices in Liege. There seems to be unsubstantiated notes claiming a contract of 2000. The Liege offices appear to have closed after 1856. The Kuban Cossacks were mostly comprised of Zaporozhian Cossacks (Ukraine) and minorities of those of other hosts, who were relocated in southernmost regions of Russia, those of Kuban, in the latter 18th c. During the Crimean War the Kuban Cossacks were posted to Crimea and repulsed Anglo-French landings off coast of Tamar. They also were highly involved in the defense of Sevastopol. I have seen three other examples, all virtually identical of these. It seems they are of .600 (25 bore) and typically noted as from Liege, with one having such markings. These were apparently issued in pairs placed in saddle mount holsters. Pictured Kuban Cossack; the percussion pistol; a Caucasian shashka of form possibly in use in these times by these groups speculatively. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 21st July 2025 at 07:32 PM.

22nd July 2025, 02:23 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,553	Move to European? Ian, might this topic be better placed in European? If so may I request same? Thank you, Jim

5th July 2025, 01:29 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,553	Thank you Udo! So then is it possible that Herman Tanner was still the producer of the 2000 pistols described for Kuban Cossacks for Crimean defense? It seems the Kuban were comprised of various Cossack groups who had relocated into Northern Caucusus end of 18th c.

22nd July 2025, 10:57 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,553	In interesting notes with further information, an auction lists one of these as being of .600 cal. (25 bore) (Thank you Norman!) which seems to have been a popular caliber from Europe with some of the large 'horse pistols' earlier in France and England. In some old notes regarding shashkas and imported blades I found the name Tanner listed along with blades sources Solingen and Styria, suggesting this form certainly must have been an active purveyor of arms for the Caucusus.