The pair of flintlock pistols is the oldest sample of Russian weapons in the Gatchina Museum collection. The pistols were made by a gunsmith from Moscow who signed his name ‘Artyemey’ on his mark. No reliable information about him has been found in documents yet. In the 17th century the main centre of firearms manufacturing in Russia was the Armoury in Moscow. It hired not only Russian, but also foreign gunsmiths. This cooperation as well as multiple commercial and diplomatic relations between Russia and other countries led to the fact that the construction and style of weapons produced in Moscow included features typical for various national traditions of that time — English, Dutch, Polish, Turkish and others. They made the design of weapons easily recognizable. One of the main tasks of the Armoury was manufacturing of weapons for the Tsar’s treasury. The most challenging time of the year was the period before Ester, because of the tradition to make especially luxurious presents to the Tsar on this day. However, apart from this important work which was controlled by state officials, Moscow gunsmiths could also take commercial jobs. Weapons made for private clients could be easily distinguished by the absence of the state symbol — the double-headed eagle. The pistols from the Gatchina Palace collection belong to this category. In 1793, when the first inventory list of the Gatchina weapons collection was compiled, these pistols were described as Turkish. Despite the Russian type of the flintlock mechanism and the sharp-cut mark with an inscription in Russian, they looked oriental because of the opulent decoration. Their barrels are forged of Damascus steel. Russian gunsmiths started to use this material under the influence of Middle Eastern craftsmen half a century earlier than European gunmakers. The barrels are round in section and divided into parts by four in relief bands. Originally the barrels were gilded end to end. The parts between the bands are decorated with stylised floral patterns in relief. By the muzzle and breech ends the pattern covers all the surface of the barrel between the bands. The central parts are only partially decorated. The locks were originally gilded just like the barrels.