The Tula State Museum of Weapons is of great interest to both city residents and tourists. How did his story begin? In 1712, Peter the Great ordered the construction of the country's first state arms factory in the ancient city of Tula. Twelve years have passed. After such a long time, the Senate signed a decree stating the need to create a meeting at the plant, which would include various weapons. Admittedly, the idea was truly wonderful.
During the reign of Catherine the Great, this Chamber of Model Weapons was considered a privileged museum located at the factory. Over the years, its exhibits have been available only to guests from abroad, generals, ministers and representatives of the royal family. At present, the Tula Museum of Arms, which was established by the government of the Russian Federation at the end of summer 1996, has opened its doors to all comers, everyone can freely enter an old building located on the territory of the local Kremlin. People come here in a continuous stream, and this is not surprising, because there are so many interesting things.
From the history of weapons
Even in time immemorial, the foundation was laid for the local weapons business. It was really a very long time ago. It all started 400 years ago, or even earlier. It was then that this noble cause began, the purpose of which was to serve the Russian people and their native country. After some time, the city not only produced weapons, but also carried out artistic processing of wood, as well as metal. But how did it all start?
In the XVI – XVII centuries, the local Kremlin fortress and all the territories nearby were the center of the defensive line running along the southern outskirts of the country. It is not surprising that the Tula people did not know a calm and measured life, because there were regular clashes with enemies. As a result of such events, the Posad blacksmiths ceased to manufacture exclusively tools and began to produce weapons. Sooner or later this was to happen. Arriving at the Tula Museum of weapons, whose photos are striking in their beauty, you can find out many interesting facts. Visitors not only admire the exhibits, but also receive useful information.
The progress of weapons was greatly helped by the fact that near Dedoslavl, located thirty-two kilometers from the city, there was an iron ore deposit. In general, the circumstances for Tula were the most favorable.
Some exhibits, mode of operation
The museum has an exposition in which you can see edged weapons. There are samples used in the domestic army in the XVII – XX centuries. In addition, there are weapons used in Western Europe: sabers, swords, and broadswords. All of them are dated XIX – XX centuries. In the museum you can admire edged weapons, common in the East. Here it is a lot of it. To see him, people go to the Tula Museum of Weapons, the mode of operation of which should be known to everyone who is going to visit him. The doors of this establishment are open from 10:00 to 16:45. However, keep in mind that employees leave for lunch. It lasts from 13:00 to 14:00. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday, and a sanitary day is held on the final Thursday of the month.
Weapons before and after the accession of Peter I
Before the accession of Peter I, the soldiers used shepopers, berdysh and spears. This weapon was far from perfect. With the accession of Peter I, everything changed. Western European weapons, in particular swords, immediately spread. It is interesting that at the dawn of the XVIII century they were both among ordinary soldiers and officers, and at the end of the century they remained only with the latter.
It should be noted that in the battles at that time the sword was no longer used, it served for other purposes. For example, an officer focused on her, building a line. To see it with your own eyes, it is recommended to visit the Museum of weapons. Tula, by the way, is very popular among tourists, and this is understandable. Museum like a magnet attracts fans of weapons.
Checkers and sabers
At the beginning of the XIX century, all sorts of drafts and sabers were replaced by broadswords and swords. This weapon turned out to be more convenient and reliable. A checker, unlike a saber, is notable for its hilt, on which there is no guard. This type of weapon was used by Caucasians. Cossacks decided that for the Russian army it is perfect. After some time, the saber was considered a registered weapon and gained significant distribution. She is among the exhibits. The only city with such a magnificent Museum of weapons is Tula. The helmet in the form of which the building is made captures admiring glances, it is simply impossible to pass by.
Turkish and Caucasian weapons
The exposition of the Tula Museum presents very interesting examples of cold steel used in the East. Here you can find out what the Turkish scimitar, which was used in the battles by the Janissaries in the XVIII-XIX centuries, see the Syrian hopesh, considered a subspecies of the sickle. He appeared at the end of the second millennium BC. e.
The museum has a lot of Caucasian weapons, visitors become aware of the difference between a dagger called bebut and kama. If the former has a curved blade, the latter is even, and it ends with a very sharp and thin end, which can easily pass through chain mail. For the manufacture of handles in the east, bones were used, as well as horns. The Tula Museum of Arms should be visited at least in order to get food for the mind, to learn a lot of new, previously unknown. And there will be a lot of impressions after the tour.
Chris, kukri, trumbash, pings
The museum also features a Malay dagger called Chris, which has a very unusual curved blade, representing the sacred snake. It looks beautiful and original.
A Nepali knife called kukri is notable for a rather heavy blade. Interestingly, its blade resembles a Turkish scimitar. In addition, in the exposition you can see edged weapons used in Africa, for example, a knife or cleaver called trumbash, common in tribes living in the center of the country. His blade is made in the shape of a sickle. The attention is also drawn to exotic species of African knives designed for throwing, which are called pings. The curved and flat blade of such a weapon is notable for peculiar branches. They are sharpened on both sides and made in the form of a sheet. One end of the weapon is wrapped in a wicker made from plant fibers and is used as a hilt. It should be noted that it is very convenient to use.
Shotguns, pistols, musketons, carbines
The Tula State Museum of Weapons is also famous for its collection of firearms, which can only be seen here. The look involuntarily stops at the exhibits used in the Russian army in the 18th – 20th centuries. Among other things, there are guns and pistols that were owned by gunsmiths of the East, as well as Western Europe. Looking at them, visitors experience genuine admiration.
It is curious that in the Russian army of the XVIII – XIX centuries, all types of troops had their own type of firearm. This is a rather interesting fact. The appearance of the weapon was identical, and the caliber, size and many other points had significant differences. The infantry used officer, guard, soldier and ranger guns, in addition, threaded fittings were in demand. As for the cavalry, pistols, dragoons, musketons, hussars and cuirassier carbines were needed there. But this is not a complete list of weapons. Officers, dragoons, guards, pioneers, cuirassiers, hussars and artillery pistols were also common in the Russian army. The Tula Museum of Arms also has such exhibits. Visitors stay in front of them for a long time to enjoy longer.
Collection S.I. Mosin
The museum definitely has something to see. But apart is a large collection of firearms, which made S.I. Mosin. There is nothing like this in any other country. This magnificent collection is famous for both prototypes dated 1885 and carbines dating back to the Second World War. People are delighted with them. This collection of weapons makes the collection perhaps the most significant and interesting in the world. And no one will argue with this. The Tula Museum of Arms is an amazing place that deserves everyone's attention.