History of Russia: Exhibit in celebration of Vasily Chapaev’s 125th birth anniversary runs in St. Petersburg

On February 9th 2012 the Military-Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineer and Signal Corps (St. Petersburg) launched a new exhibition “Revolver of the Legendary Division Commander” in celebration of Vasily Chapaev’s 125th birth anniversary.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is Vasily Chapaev’s famous revolver, which is no less legendary than its owner himself.

Visitors of the museum will have a unique opportunity to see the Nagant M1895 revolver from the museum collection. The revolver was the personal weapon of a hero of the Civil War - commander of the 25th infantry division - Vasily Chapaev. The revolver was presented to Chapaev in 1918 by Tula gunsmiths. Its handle bears a golden pattern.

Another memorial item – is a letter of commemoration № 7430 of November 4th 1929 (Order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic – 1919 № 137), which was presented by the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic to the commander of the 25th infantry division Vasily Chapaev on awarding him the “Red Banner” Order for distinguishing himself in a struggle against enemies of the Socialist Fatherland in 1918-1919.

The exhibition also showcases various exhibits which show Vasily Chapaev’s images. They include a portrait by A. M. Lyubimov (1951), as well as a Palekh lacquered case with the image of Vasily Chapaev and two soldiers on the machinegun cart (1938) on its cover. There are also plaques showing the commander. 

Along with the revolver visitors can also discover the Caucasian cavalry sword, which belonged to a political worker of the 25th Chapaev Infantry Division - A. N. Furmanova, one of the possible contenders for the role of the prototype of legendary Anka-machinegunner, wife of Dmitry Furmanov, who authored the famous “Chapaev” novel.