The basis of the collection is a selection of documents dedicated to Tula state blacksmiths-gunsmiths for the entire existence of this class group from the end of the 16th century. until 1864. Documents, most of which are published for the first time, provide information about the history of the Armory Settlement, contain demographic data, characterize the legal status of gunsmiths, their occupations, self-government system, resettlement, talk about individual figures and events.