Churchs pair supposedly had concealed set triggers, but in reality, set triggers were a standard feature of these pistols rather than a secret designed to give one duelist an advantage over the other, and that pair simply did not have a visible adjustment screw. [5] These gave the person using them an advantage over their opponent by reducing the amount of finger pressure required to fire the pistol, which greatly increased accuracy of the shot. A serious pistol shot would practise with his own pair and would be reluctant to provide one of his pistols to his adversary. The engraving on the escutcheon merits further research. 283, sold to MMA). 3 lb. Ref: 582. 7 oz. More Info. These shots were fired at 25 yards with rapid dueling style aim rather than carefully deliberate aim. The Mantons, Griffin & Tow, H.W. After one man had fired, the other could fire within the remaining allotted time. The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. (17.1 cm); Wt. All the metal has a smooth gray-brown patina. A Rare Pair Of 40-Bore Flintlock Overcoat Or Travelling PistolsBy Wogdon & Barton Of London, Circa 1800. Then Eacker raised his pistol and shot Hamilton above the hip. [4], All component parts were manufactured, hand-finished and then adjusted with great care and precision, which made duelling pistols much more costly than standard firearms of the period. Lot 1275: Cased Pair of Griffin & Tow flintlock dueling pistols circa 1780. The poem later references him again and notes, "This death we lay not, Wogdon to thy blame; Cullum must have his fame as well as you. Perhaps the most bizarre duel in which Wogdon pistols were used took place on 13 January 1777 between the Reverend Henry Bate and Andrew Robinson Stoney. 181520", "THE TAMING OF THE DUEL: MASCULINITY, HONOUR AND RITUAL VIOLENCE IN LONDON, 16601800", "www.exetermemories.co.uk/EM/_events/last_duel.php", "Material Culture and Military History: Test-Firing Early Modern Small Arms", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Duelling_pistol&oldid=1132214902, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 7 January 2023, at 20:30. When his second wife divorced him in 1834, Alexander Hamilton Jr. served as her lawyer. Steel and Brass Section, Rod and Sheet. (30.3 cm); Cal. A discussion of the poem in The Critical Review; or, Annals of Literature from 1782 notes, "The artist to whom these stanzas are inscribed is famous for his skill in making pistols, whose aim is remarkably true" and notes the lines, "No one can tell how short he shall remain, If honour calls and Wogdon bids him die" as among the best in the poem. Cased Pair of John Blissett & Son Percussion Dueling Pistols: Lot 332 Four British Prime Ministers have engaged in duels throughout history. 0.00. Colonel Lennox and the Duke, accompanied by their seconds, met on Wimbledon Common on the morning of 26 May. They go back centuries to trial by combat, also known as the judicial duel. 2023 Rock Island Auction Company. There is an oval escutcheon at the wrist that has the initials GL and, in very small letters at the top of the arc, ""FOR RIGHT AND REASON"". Derringer Handguns For Sale :: Guns.com 12.9 oz. An Irish duelling pistol, dated 1774, a collectors term for a gun where the barrel is longer than 10in, with a short, straight butt. In 1797, Alexander Hamilton's brother-in-law, John Baker Church, had obtained an exquisite pair of custom-made dueling pistols made by Wogdon. The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. At the time, the Duke of York, second son of the reigning King George III, was Colonel of the Coldstream Guards, and one Charles Lennox, nephew and heir to the Duke of Richmond, was Lieutenant-Colonel of the same regiment. Robert Wogdon produced flintlock firearms from the 1760s, and was particularly well known for his high quality duelling pistols. 1 lb. Desirable Cased Pair of Engraved Wogdon & Barton Flintlock Dueling Pistols Auction Date: August 28, 2022 Estimated Price: $ 6,500 - $ 9,500 Price Realized: Details A) Wogdon & Barton Dueling Pistol Manufacturer: English Model: Flintlock Pistol Type: Pistol Gauge: 54 Barrel: 10 inch octagon Finish: brown/casehardened/blue Grip: Stock: walnut They, and the cocks, have raised decorative edges. Click here for more information. Read British gunmakers of the 21st century for more about the companies continuing a long tradition. The name of one gunmaker recurs repeatedly in tales of the most infamous duels Robert Wogdon, says John O'Sullivan and De Witt Bailey, in this edited extract from Robert Wogdon, Wogdon & Barton, John Barton, London Gunmkaers 1764-1819. (44.5 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. Pair of Wogdon & Barton Flintlock Dueling Pistols (AH6322) Price: $6,500.00 Item Number: AH6322 Add to Cart Add to wishlist Robert Wogdon and John Barton operated at 14 Haymarket, London, from 1795 to 1803. 7 oz. The stock on gun 2 is fine with no cracks or chips and the dents and dings expected of light to moderate use. Wogdon retired in 1803 and died in 1813. Free ground shipping on all US Online Orders over $100! Until the mid-18th century, duels were typically fought with swords. A Duelling Pistol by Edwards of Dublin. [7] For some in the eighteenth century, duelling with less-accurate, smooth-bore weapons was preferred as they viewed it as allowing the judgement of God to take a role in deciding the outcome of the encounter. These were break action, single-shot weapons that were fitted with a shield in front of the trigger, to protect the hand holding the pistol. The poem alludes to fate but suggests a duelists destiny lay in Wogdons hand. From about 1770 onwards, gunsmiths were producing pistols expressly made for duelling.[2]. Its the story of a, In 1873, two of America's greatest gunmakers would unveil the defining arms of the era. For example, when the Duke of York was challenged by his nephew Charles Lennox when they were serving in the Coldstream Guards, Lennoxs Wogdon pistols from 12 paces at Wimbledon Common was chosen, and they were to fire upon the signal. The stock on gun 2 is fine with no cracks or chips and the dents and dings expected of light to moderate use. (10 cm); Wt. As you can see, hitting a man-sized target with a muzzleloading pistol wouldnt have been particularly difficult. Many of Wogdons pistols have bent barrels. Since the 1800s, explorers and dangerous game hunters navigating the African bush have trusted their lives to the double rifle. Despite duelling being always regarded as illegal, in practice it was widely tolerated by both the juries and the sentencing judges. [5] These gave the person using them an advantage over their opponent by reducing the amount of finger pressure required to fire the pistol, which greatly increased accuracy of the shot. Hosted and Maintained by TwoPointZero IT. With dueling pistols, Hollywood loves to show to adversaries starting back to back and walking off a set number of paces before turning to fire. (39.4 cm); Wt. This supremely elegant target pistol is among their most accomplished work. The Duke had earlier indicated to Colonel Lennox that he wished to desire no protection from his rank. The breech plug tangs, butt caps, and trigger guards have decorative engraving. Robert Wogdon made many and varied firearms - pocket and livery pistols, double-barrelled pistols, sporting guns and rifles, carbines and blunderbusses - but he was most renowned for his duelling pistols. Its long barrel, measuring nearly twelve inches in length, indicates its intended use for targets. Two Engraved English Flintlock Pistols -A) Desirable Wogdon & Barton Dueling PistolWogdon dueling pistols are among the most historical and were used in the most famous of all American duels: the Burr-Hamilton affair. Bonhams : A 28-Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistol Robert Wogdon and John Barton operated at 14 Haymarket, London, from 1795 to 1803. Duelling pistols have long and heavy barrels - the added weight helped steady aim and reduce recoil. As a result, duelling pistols with rifled barrels were considered unsporting by many, although there was no unfairness so long as the pistols were identical. The answer to the question frequently asked of the owners of Wogdon duelling pistols, Were these pistols ever used in a duel? must unfortunately therefore be, We just dont know.. SOLD. The barrels have a decorative band around the breech end. Collecting, preserving, researching, publishing, and exhibiting distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. It is now half-stocked with a silver fore-end and a rounded, chequered butt with spurred trigger-guard. Wogdon & Barton | The Flintlock Collection Stoney demanded Bate reveal the author of these articles; Bate refused and Stoney challenged him to a duel as the Countess of Strathmores champion. This supremely elegant target pistol is among their most accomplished work. [1] The name Wogdon became synonymous with dueling, to the extent that duels in England were sometimes referred to as "a Wogdon affair". Very good with more than half of the period refurbished brown, distinct Damascus patterns, and bright gold vent on the barrel; mottled silver-gray patina on the lock, gray and brown patina on the iron furniture, dark aged patina on the silver, replaced ramrod shaft, minor oxidation/pitting, and general mild wear. This resulted in a further duel between Colonel Lennox and Swift, which resulted in the unfortunate Swift being shot in the abdomen. Often the duelists would each select one pistol from a cased pair, but in some duels they would each use one of their own, and if a second round of fire was demanded they could use the other. The hard part would have been shooting both accurately and quickly with your life on the line. Robert Wogdon, a gunmaker most famous for his dueling pistols, partnered with John Barton late in his career. As part of, Samuel Brunn (English, London, recorded 17951820), Louis Perrin (French, Paris, active 182365), James Purdey the Elder (British, London 17841863 Margate), J. C. A. Brun (French, Paris, active 184972), Louis Nicolas Auguste Flobert (French, Paris, 18191894). Handguns and Pistols for Sale | Impact Guns Graceful, understated, and built with fine attention to detail, it belonged to a cousin of George IV, Prince William Frederick, second Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, whose arms are engraved on the grips gold escutcheon. The poem later references him again and notes, "This death we lay not, Wogdon to thy blame; Cullum must have his fame as well as you. The pistols used in this duel are believed to have been the Wogdon & Barton pistols owned by John Barker Church, Alexander Hamiltons brother-in-law. [11] The short range most duels took place at, combined with the accuracy of rifled pistols meant their use substantially increased the chances of a fatality during a duel. Deloping was technically against most dueling codes as it implied the matter was not actually serious enough for an exchange of gunfire, but it wasnt uncommon. Pistol Kits; Chemicals and Compounds. Upon the signal, they could advance towards one another and choose when to fire. The relined case has moderate age and storage related wear. He returned shortly before the War of 1812. This emphasis on the purity of form references the Neoclassical style then in vogue. Stoney was to make Marys life a nightmare, subjecting her and her children to eight years of continuing physical and mental abuse, including threats of rape and murder. The stock on gun 1, which is lighter than gun 2, is vey good with no cracks, a chip around the rear barrel key, a small chip at the rear trigger guard attachment pin on the right, and scattered usage dents and dings. A Rifled Pocket Pistol by Smith. 15"". The breech plug tangs, butt caps, and trigger guards have decorative engraving. While the design looks a bit odd, the author has found most sawhandle pistols point very naturally. Not surprisingly, the few duels in which Wogdons pistols were known to have been used took place between opponents who were well-known public figures. His father told him to fire to miss, known as deloping, rather than take a mans life. 0.5 oz. A pair of duels in the early 19th century in America have done much to fix Wogdons name in American memory. Compounds and Solutions for Wood. Wogdon's duelling pistols were fitted with set triggers as a standard feature, so they cannot be regarded as "secret" devices that other duellists of the era would be completely unaware of. Committed to designing and building . Instead of firing into the sky or the ground, aiming for a near miss would show seriousness and would appear to any witnesses to have been a legitimate attempt but avoid taking a life. Where neither principal owned a pistol, then a pair might be produced to be shared. Description The barrels are 10 octagonal, sighted, browned twist with bore size of .476 and scratch rifled. The barrels were given a blued or browned finish to reduce glare. [3], In continental Europe, the use of smooth-bored pistols was considered cowardly, and rifled pistols were the norm. Guns International #: 102054289 Seller's Inventory #: AH6306. The original dueling pistols used by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in the 1804 duel that killed Hamilton were on exhibit from May 25 - September 16, 2018. [2] The name Wogdon became synonymous with dueling, to the extent that duels in England were sometimes referred to as "a Wogdon affair". Generally, if both duelists fired without effect, the challenger could declare himself satisfied or demand another exchange. The refinished stock is good and has some dings and worn spots in the otherwise distinct checkering, crack between the ramrod entry pipe and trigger guard finial, repair above the nose of the lock, and some scattered minor dings and scratches. The Duke of York had publicly insulted him and had virtually accused him of cowardice. (39.4 cm); Wt. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [13][Note 4], There were various forms of pistol duel. Special care was taken when moulding the lead bullets to ensure that there were no voids which would affect accuracy. A Rare Pair Of 40-Bore Flintlock Overcoat Or Travelling Pistols The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver, and the latter have a monogram that appears to be the initials "LD." The Duke did not return fire. Wogdon & Barton dueling pistols Wogdon & Barton (founded by Robert Wogdon) was an 18th-century firm of gunsmiths based in London, England. Duelling pistol - Wikipedia Mortimer, and many other talented English gunmakers certainly manufactured incredibly fine dueling pistols and helped create new innovations in their designs over time, but Wogdon truly specialized in them. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. (10.5 cm); Wt. A Flintlock Duelling Pistol by Wogdon and Barton - Garth Vincent More Info. On 13 January 1777 at the Adelphi Tavern and Coffeehouse, Bate was accosted by Stoney and the duel proceeded without any witnesses. This nice single dueling flintlock pistol by a very well known maker is ready for your English flintlock pistol collection. 15"". Hamilton had opposed Burrs political campaigns since the 1790s, and letters were published indicating Hamilton at a dinner expressed his opposition to Burr politically, called him a dangerous man, and held a still more despicable opinion of Burr. Purpose-built duelling pistols have various improvements to make them more reliable and accurate. The remaining furniture is iron and includes classic English engraving, including fine pineapple finials on the trigger guards. The Wogdon pistols used in the Hamilton-Burr duel belonged to Hamiltons brother-in-law, Colonel John Barker Church. Both pistols have their original iron-tipped ramrods with an attached worm at the end. The refinished stock is also very good and has some dings and worn spots in the otherwise distinct checkering, some faint hairline cracks and repairs in the forend, hammering marks on the butt, and general dings and scratches throughout. 20002023 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hamilton was morally and religiously opposed to dueling and is widely believed to have intended to delope (throw away his shot) rather than aim at Burr. [2] Both pistols have their original iron-tipped ramrods with an attached worm at the end. Mortimer & Son dueling pistols was presented by the Prince Regent to Spanish rebel Francisco Sayus in 1811 and was later owned by Confederate Secretary of the Navy Stephen R. Mallory. The plain stepped locks are simply engraved Wogdon, with a plain narrow safety catch. The overall length is approx. Dueling pistol makers continued to innovate through the end of the flintlock era and into the percussion era. Gunmaker at Mr. Maws haberdashers, Cockspur St., Charing Cross, 1764. If the matter could not be resolved through formal correspondence, the conflict would most commonly be settled with a formal exchange of shots from proper dueling pistols: a Wogdon affair.. [16][17] The famous fictional duel between Pierre and Dolokhov in the novel War and Peace was of this kind. Instead, the duelists should fire quickly. Whatever its origin, the name Wogdon certainly has a funereal ring to it, and very appropriate for the gunmaker whose duelling pistols were to send many men to their premature deaths. The barrels on earlier guns were cylindrical, while later ones tended to be octagonal. For example, if God was sure to choose the innocent, then he could guide a ball to the proper target no matter how inaccurate the pistol, but duelists sought out pistols by gunmakers known for reliability and accuracy, and some practiced shooting at targets to ensure their aim was true. (3.8 cm); Wt. Colonel Lennox would have faced a real dilemma over this incident. The 9 5/8"" octagon 64 caliber swamped smooth bore barrel has a fair bore with pitting. Wogdons guns were designed to be aimed quickly, reliably fire, and shoot true. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. Colonel Lennox fired and the ball grazed one of his Royal Highness curls. Many later pistols have heavier barrels and half-stocks while the early pistols are lighter and full-stocked. Robert Wogdon (January 1734 - 28 March 1813) died aged 79 and was buried with his wife Jane (died 15 February 1805, aged 69) in the chancel of St Bartholomew's Church, located on the outskirts of Buntingford, Hertfordshire. But you had never gained so great a name, In England had your pistols killed as few." Two pairs of pistols allowed for a second exchange of shots if both missed and the challenger of the duel was intent on continuing. But you had never gained so great a name, In England had your pistols killed as few." [3] Other features were saw handles, platinum-lined touch-holes and hair triggers. The finest London firearms made in the classic British style of the early nineteenth century rank among the most stately and innovative in the history of gunmaking. By the time duelling with pistols had superseded duelling with swords in the early 1770s, the purpose had shifted from wounding or killing your opponent to demonstrating that, as a man of honour, you were prepared to risk your life to defend your reputation, or that of your family or your regiment. "British Flintlock Dueling Pistol by Wogdon (AH6306)" for sale Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. This resulted in the death of a Member of Parliament, An account of an 1825 duel in Paris between two Irishmen states that one brought his pair of English, "Pair of Flintlock Duelling Pistols ca.