Jim ...The reference "Russian Military Swords 1801-1917" Eugene Mollo, 1969 is a cracker !

Here is a further reference about Lazerev...and his brother Andrei who skippered the Ladoga..in my previous post. Please see
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/laza...petrovich-2342
There are general references from the region but whether they are true or assumed I know not... of bartered weapons for provisions which, if true, would have seen some Russian/French weaponry changing hands (and apparently alcohol)
The Tahiti islanders had a range of tribal weapons clubs spears et al and it was noted (in some distant read document) that on one visit the Europeans mentioned that the ruler at the time had a shield ...wall mounted ...with a couple of pistols nailed to it !!
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.