История коллекции оружия Гатчинского дворца с 1770-х до 1941 г.
The History of the Arms collection in Gatchina Palace 1770–1914.

Summary/Abstract: The origin of the arms collection in Gatchina Palace is connected with the name of Count Grigory Orlov (1734–1783). He was the favourite of Catherine II (1762–1796) and did a lot for her accession to the throne, as a result of coup d`etat of 1762. Among other signs of imperial grace he inherited the manor Gatchina — the territory of the modern town of Gatchina with its surrounding area (some 40 km to the south from St. Petersburg). In 1766 there were started a construction works of Orlov’s palace, which had to become his primary residence. The new owner of Gatchina, being a Guards officer and adventurer, certainly, was well versed in weapons. The local landscape, with its dense forests, rivers and lakes, could not be more suited to one of his favourite amusement — hunting. So to hold there his arsenal looked quite natural. For the most part the sources of Orlov’s collection are unknown, and can be only guessed. Having a lot of money and important government positions, Grigory Orlov used different means to supplement his arsenal. Some pieces he bought, another he received as gifts. Seven rifles he took from the arsenal of the dethroned and murdered in 1762 Russian emperor Peter III (so-called Oranienbaum Rustkammer). Most of Orlov’s rifles and pistols derived from various European collections — this fact confirmed by the indicated part numbers, engraved or carved on their trigger guards or other details. The study of these indications can help to find out where the weapons were originally.

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