
4 0 c m
31cm
actual image size: 23cm x 32cm
Description
A pair of pistols said to have belonged to Napoleon Bonoparte. The flintlock mechanism replaced the earlier wheel-lock type for igniting gunpowder. Pulling the trigger caused a piece of flint to strike a piece of steel. The resulting spark ignited a small quantity of gunpowder in the pan. This communicated through a small hole in the barrel with the main charge.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10417019
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library