THE FAMOUS “trešnjevac” cannon used by Karađorđe’s insurgents, pipes and pencil pistols, combined knife-pistol weapons from the 19th century, Duke Milan Obrenović’s diamond saber, the “Strela 2M” air defense system that was modified by Belgrade ETF experts during the NATO aggression in 1999. ., are part of the exhibits of the exhibition “Rare and improvised weapons from the collections of the Military Museum” opened in the Gallery of the Military Museum in Kalemegdan.
Photo: Ministry of Defense
Until June 23, visitors will be able to see weapons that were not in the official armament of our army or in wide use, from the 16th century, through the time of the leader Karađorđe, Prince Miloš, the First and Second World Wars to the period of defense of the homeland against the aggression of the Alliance in 1999. At the same time, this interesting exhibition also tells a lot about those who, with their skill and art, were able to repair and improve existing weapons on the front line of battle or to make them from almost nothing.
Photo: Military Museum
– The Military Museum keeps several representative examples of weapons that were intended as gifts or rewards to important individuals. Rifles that were made for this very purpose for Serbian duke Kničanin and king Milan Obrenović are on display. There are also luxurious sabers that were awarded by the Russian emperor to Duke Milan Obrenović and Prince Arsen Karađorđević in 1810 for their bravery during the Russo-Japanese War – says Vuk Obradović, senior curator of the Military Museum.
Photo: Military Museum
He also adds that the objects presented as improvised weapons show the inventiveness of our man.
Photo: Military Museum
– Partisan “cement” bombs made of concrete were shown, as well as rifles made later, which used hunting bullets as ammunition. Parts of these rifles are made from ordinary pipes for central heating – explains Obradović.
Photo: Military Museum
SABER OF OBRENOVIĆ AND DOBRNJAC
AMONG the displayed weapons, the golden saber of Duke Milan Obrenović stands out, which was presented to him by the commander of the Russian Danube Army, the famous Prince Petar Ivanovich Bagration, on the recommendation of the Russian envoy in Belgrade, Konstantin Rodofinikin. On January 3, 1810, in front of the arrayed army, he ceremoniously presented sabers and gilts to dukes Milan Obrenović and Petar Dobrnjac “for their excellent courage and devotion to Russia”. The saber has a gilded hilt made in the shape of a “pistol handle”. Originally, the handle was decorated with nine green and red gems on both sides. On the front side of the cross, once also decorated with jewels, is engraved “for courage” – says our interlocutor.
Particularly interesting are the exhibits, which are very effective weapons disguised as ordinary objects.
Photo: Military Museum
– It’s about a pen and a pipe gun. They were used by members of the security service of our army who needed to be armed in areas where it is not allowed or in circumstances where the possession of any other weapon would attract unnecessary attention. A pencil gun could be carried in a pocket, it could also write, and in the hands of a trained operative it became a very effective firearm – explains Obradović.
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Tags: INTERESTING EXHIBITION WEAPONS GALLERY MILITARY MUSEUM KALEMEGDAN Pen pipe
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