[Jim McDougall]

When I acquired this pistol during the 90s, I was keenly into research on the Crimean War (1854-56) , specifically the famed "Charge of the Light Brigade" at Balaklava, Crimea Oct. 25, 1854. While I was focused on the swords of the Light Brigade and accompanying arms, I wanted full perspective and some representation of other arms in that context.

In research in posting this, thanks to Norman and Udo, it appears this is a Cossack pistol made in Liege by Hermann Tanner, or from components from Liege for the Kuban Cossacks during the Crimean War. From sources provided kindly by Udo, the firm of Tanner & Sohne were situated in Hanover from 1854, but with offices in Liege. There seems to be unsubstantiated notes claiming a contract of 2000. The Liege offices appear to have closed after 1856.

The Kuban Cossacks were mostly comprised of Zaporozhian Cossacks (Ukraine) and minorities of those of other hosts, who were relocated in southernmost regions of Russia, those of Kuban, in the latter 18th c.
During the Crimean War the Kuban Cossacks were posted to Crimea and repulsed Anglo-French landings off coast of Tamar. They also were highly involved in the defense of Sevastopol.

I have seen three other examples, all virtually identical of these. It seems they are of .600 (25 bore) and typically noted as from Liege, with one having such markings.

These were apparently issued in pairs placed in saddle mount holsters.

Pictured Kuban Cossack; the percussion pistol; a Caucasian shashka of form possibly in use in these times by these groups speculatively.