The round, smooth bore barrel in 15 mm calibre. The entire upper surface embellished with finely chiselled décor of tendrils, grotesque masks, trophy bundles and shell ornaments, underlaid in gold. The lock with a slightly domed panel and identical chiselled décor. The slightly carved full stock in walnut with chiselled and gold-inlaid iron furniture. The ramrod with horn tip. Length 47 cm.The pistol wrought with exceptional workmanship from the famous superior workshop in Tula, which produced deluxe weapons for the Russian tsars and gifts of state for the crowned heads of Europe. Comparable pieces can be found today in numerous distinguished collections, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Examples include a pair of pistols in the collection of the armoury at the Kremlin, illustrated in "Masterpieces of Russian Gunmakers", p. 24, or a pair of pistols at the Gatchina Palace near St. Petersburg, illustrated in the Gatchina arsenal, cat. nos. 74 & 75, p. 132.Condition: I - IICondition Report:Immaculate, no damage or repairs, merely minimal signs of age. No traces of corrosion, the gold appliqué in perfect condition.