Russia America Fur Co 1838 Percussion Musket

Obsolete military muskets frequently were reissued as trade goods on the California frontier.

1838 Russia America Company Tula Fur Trade Conversion Musket (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition) Based on the explorations of Vitus Bering, Russia claimed northwestern North America. In 1799 Russia's Tsar granted a charter for the Russia America Company to gather furs in Alaska. Using Native Americans as hunters, Russia America then began operating in northern Alaska and down the west coast to Fort Ross, California. Recognizing that native arrows are no match for Russian muskets," this converted example was made at Tula Arsenal, Russia, in 1830. It bears the Russian crest and a Russia America number of 8103. In 1867, when furs became scarce, Russia America sold its holdings to the United States. However, Russian influence is still found today in many Alaskan communities, particularly Kodiak and Sitka." --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #44