This article about a company of the UK is a stub. Wood for Gunsmithing and restoration. In the late 18th century and early 19th century in Europe as well as America, if a gentleman, or in rare cases a lady, or someone close to them faced an insult, they were expected to demand a proper apology or satisfaction., To refuse or decline a challenge risked their reputation and being posted as a poltroon (an utter coward). The sliding-safety locks are marked in script "Wogdon" over "&" over "Barton". There are currently no customer product questions on this lot. (44.5 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. One Theophilus Swift was to write a pamphlet on the affair, taking the Dukes side. After one man had fired, the other could fire within the remaining allotted time. It has a dovetailed blade front sight, "Wogdon & Barton London" in script on top of the barrel, a gold vent liner, notch rear sight on top of the breech, "Wogdon & Barton" on the . David S. Weaver covered this for the American Society of Arms Collectors,but in short, Wodgons barrels were bent downwards slightly. (1219 g); powder flask (b): H. 4 1/8 in. John Barton (British, recorded 17951819), Culture: (9.6 mm); Wt. Click here for more information. 283, sold to MMA). Once one man fired, he was generally expected to stand at that spot and await his opponents shot within the remaining time and before crossing the barrier. 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. Committed to designing and building . We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. 1.5 oz. (6.7 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. By the time duelling with pistols had superseded duelling with swords in the early 1770s, the purpose had shifted from wounding or killing your opponent to demonstrating that, as a man of honour, you were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. 0.00. 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. While that is the origin, people clearly had misgivings about whether God would come to their aid in a duel both back in the Middle Ages and in the early modern era. Great Britain and Ireland, 1600-1800 A.D. The plot was foiled, but he was acquitted. Scroll left to view more. In some instances multiple rounds were fired without injury. By 1780, Wogdon had settled on the final form for his duelling pistols and saw no reason for any . As the distance closed they could fire at will. Not all fine, antique pairs of pistols are duelling pistols, though they may be called so. Standard flintlock pistols can have a noticeable delay between pulling the trigger and actually firing the bullet unless precisely tuned. Lot 1275: Cased Pair of Griffin & Tow flintlock dueling pistols circa 1780. A Very Fine Cased Pair of 28-Bore Duelling Pistols. The duelists would take their allotted place and then fire upon a signal from one of the seconds such as the dropping of a handkerchief with a set amount of time to fire after the signal had been given. "The Best Damn Gunshop in the World" (22.7 g); glass bottle (f): H. 1 1/2 in. The Mantons, Griffin & Tow, H.W. This rare public showing marked the first time these pistols have been displayed in Washington, D.C. 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. Look at any Wogdon duelling pistol, be it one from his early production years in the mid-1770s or one made towards the end of his career when in partnership with John Barton in the early 1800s, and they all have that unmistakable Wogdon style. The barrels on earlier guns were cylindrical, while later ones tended to be octagonal. Both sets of pistols have single set triggers. Stoneys dying wish was that Mary would marry him. Estimated at $7,500-$12,000, these dueling pistols are beautiful, rare, and historically significant. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. Click Photo to Enlarge Guns International #: 101363115 Seller's Inventory #: 190413 Category Antique Pistols - Flintlock Handguns - European Pistols Seller's Information Given both men had time to take deliberate aim, neither may walk away unscathed, and the chance of death was high. [21], Pairs of duelling pistols were often supplied in compartmentalised wooden cases along with a powder flask, rods for cleaning and loading, spare flints, spanners and other tools, and a bullet mould. The Burr-Hamilton duel pistols were originally in a very similar configuration to this pair. SCHEELS Tools for wood. The actions on both pistols function correctly. Price: 28,500 Maker: Robert Wogdon Date: circa 1780 Each Pistol with 10 inch browned swamped octagonal barrel signed along the top flat, engraved with a transverse band of beadwork at the rear of the breech and with silver fore sight, case-hardened foliate engraved tang decorated with a band of beadwork in front of the rear sight . A North African Flintlock Pistol . Swords or dueling pistols were standard, but rifles and other firearms were also used in rarer instances, and, in theory, duels could be fought with any agreed upon weapons under just about any terms, even in hot air balloons with blunderbusses over Paris. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments. Surprisingly, Lee was only lightly wounded and the affair ultimately ended without another exchange, in part due to Alexander Hamiltons role as Laurenss second. Often if one duelist had not fired around the same time, they would not even return fire unless they were seriously at odds with their opponent. The brown damascus style finish is visible in several areas along with scattered dents and manufacturing defects. 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. Use your arrow keys to navigate the tabs below, and your tab key to choose an item, Title: The 10" swamped at the muzzle octagon 67 caliber smooth bore barrels have good bores with light roughness. [3][4] Wogdon formed a partnership in 1794 with John Barton, after which their pistols were signed Wogdon and Barton. 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. .36 in (9.3 mm); Wt. You can safely challenge a friend to a duel with muzzleloading pistols today by using modern dueling targets that leave only bragging rights on the line. Pistols with calibers of 0.45in (11mm), 0.52in (13mm), 0.58in (15mm) or even 0.65in (17mm) were common. Its long barrel, measuring nearly twelve inches in length, indicates its intended use for targets. The pistols have smoothbore Damascus barrels with gold vent liners, dovetailed silver blade front sights, "Wogdon & Barton London" signed on top, registration markings for County Down in Ireland, engraved borders at the breech, and casehardened standing breeches with fixed notch rear sights and engraving. It has an iron blade front sight and standing notch rear sight (these were often used as target pistols) at the breech tang and a gold lined vert. An eagle is engraved on the headband. Click here for more information. Flints. The guns had several special features, including heavy brass forends for steadier aim and both front and rear sights for a more accurate shot. The pistols are quite unique with their saw handled butts and spurred trigger guards the design of which would have been specified by the owner. 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 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.. Wogdon made the pistols used in the infamous BurrHamilton duel, which were later claimed to have concealed "hair triggers" (also known as set triggers). In Britain, the favoured type was for the duellists to stand still at an agreed distance and shoot when given the signal. Mary Eleanor Bowes was the richest heiress in England at that time. Design [ edit] His pistols were so well known that "Stanzas on Duelling Inscribed to Wogdon, the Celebrated Pistol-Maker" from 1782 starts with the lines "Hail Wogdon! Thereafter they quickly took over and after 1785 it was rare for a sword duel to be fought in London. The overall length is approx. .38 in. [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. Lennox replied that he could not consider His Royal Highness as any other than the son of his King. 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. Compounds and Solutions for Wood. As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes. The Duke of York had publicly insulted him and had virtually accused him of cowardice. The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. (10.5 cm); Wt. [2] The plain stepped locks are simply engraved Wogdon, with a plain narrow safety catch. This dueling flintlock pistol is by Robert Wogdon (1733-1813), a well-known London gunsmith from Lincolnshire who operated at Haymarket, London, from 1774 to 1802. Tools and Accesories. (22.7 g); glass bottle (f): H. 1 1/2 in. The remaining furniture is iron and includes classic English engraving, including fine pineapple finials on the trigger guards. 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 Colt Single Action Army revolver and the Winchester Model. 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. It has an inoperative hammer safety. Flintlock Target Pistol of Prince William Frederick, Second Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (17761834), with Case and Accessories, Wogdon & Barton (British, London 17951803), John Barton (British, recorded 17951819), Pistol: wood (walnut), steel, gold, brass, horn; ramrod: wood (walnut), brass, steel; case: wood (mahogany), velvet, brass; powder flask: brass, steel, leather; bullet mold: steel; screwdriver: wood (walnut), brass, steel; cleaning rod: wood (walnut), brass, steel; bottle: glass, Pistol (a): L. 16 1/8 in. The locks are signed "Wogdon/&/Barton" and have frizzen rollers, sliding half-cock safeties, and stepped tails. Eacker had called the two young men damned rascals.. Browse SCHEELS selection of handguns and pistols featuring top brands like Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson, & more. Hamilton received a .54-caliber wound to the abdomen from an English-made Wogdon & Barton flintlock smoothbore dueling pistol. London proof marks and RW barrel makers mark. These types are similar to duelling pistols in that they were muzzle-loading weapons that were sometimes expensively made and sold in matched, cased pairs with a set of accessories. This time by his father and Vice President Aaron Burr. 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. As the smoke cleared, Alexander Hamilton lay mortally wounded. More has been written about this duel than any other in American history. Cobra Firearms is a firearm and accessory manufacturer located in Salt Lake City, UT specializing in American made derringers and handguns that are unique. The hard part would have been shooting both accurately and quickly with your life on the line. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. This is a very nice pair of dueling pistols by a well-known maker of quality flintlock pistols. By candlelight it was obvious that Stoney had been seriously injured with three stab wounds to the chest. RM W570AE - Case with Dueling Pistols A Cased Pair of Pistols, Reputedly Owned by Napoleon Pair of pistols Cassette with couple of pistols and accessories belonging to Napoleon I, Casket in which a couple of pistols together with all supplies. (17.1 cm); Wt. The overall length is approx. Original Tools. (1219 g); powder flask (b): H. 4 1/8 in. The custom fitted case has a later three-compartment powder flasks, balls, and an original section from the ramrod of gun "A." Two shots are believed to have rung out almost simultaneously. All rights reserved. This was a legal proceeding in which a persons guilt or innocence was determined by the outcome of a fight. 12.9 oz. Poem, Stanzas on Duelling, by an Irish Volunteer, 1783, began Hail Wogden, Patron of that Leaden death. One particularly deadly option for a serious dispute was to have both men stand a set number of paces apart, cock and raise their pistols upon command, take aim at another command, and then fire simultaneously upon the final command. 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. The 9 5/8"" octagon 64 caliber swamped smooth bore barrel has a fair bore with pitting. 14.75"". [7] The bullets loaded in them could weigh 214 grains (0.49 ounces; 13.9 grams) in .52 caliber, or more in larger calibers. [3] Spurs on the trigger guards began appearing after around 1805 to provide a rest for the middle finger to improve the shooter's grip. (42.5 g); screwdriver (e): L. 3 15/16 in. 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. Robert Wogdon and John Barton operated at 14 Haymarket, London, from 1795 to 1803. He completed his term as Vice-President but his political career was effectively over. The actions on both pistols function correctly. A Scarce Double Barrel Pocket Pistol . 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. Robert Wogdon produced flintlock firearms from the 1760s, and was particularly well known for his high quality duelling pistols. The hooks or spurs on the trigger guard can be used with your middle finger to help steady the pistol. His father told him to fire to miss, known as deloping, rather than take a mans life. Patron of that Leaden death!" Initially, both men refused to fire. (6.7 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. Churchs dueling pistols were originally similar to the Wogdon & Barton pair in our next auction but at some point had brass forends fitted to them. Wogdon was partnered with John Barton at 14 Haymarket Street in London in 1795-1803. An aesthetic vocabulary of blued, case-hardened, and browned steel and richly finished walnut, both with tasteful gold and silver accents, defines much of their best work. More Info. 0.5 oz. 14.75"". That may have been one option, but it doesnt appear to have been common. SUBSCRIBE today for our lowest ever deal, SIX ISSUES for JUST 6 by clicking on THIS link. 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 Mary had already filed for divorce, unheard of in 18th-century England, and this only added to her notoriety. (10 cm); Wt. 344. The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. The usual duelling distance of 12 paces was measured out and it was agreed that both parties would fire at the given signal. Chase Manhattan Bank acquired the pistols in 1930, and they now reside at the National Postal Museum. When General Hamilton arrived, the seconds measured out the distance, 10 full paces, and cast lots for the choice of position. The 10"" swamped at the muzzle octagon 67 caliber smooth bore barrels have good bores with light roughness. This supremely elegant target pistol is among their most accomplished work. They loaded the pistols and the parties took their stations. His pistols were so well known that "Stanzas on Duelling Inscribed to Wogdon, the Celebrated Pistol-Maker" from 1782 starts with the lines "Hail Wogdon! Pistol: wood (walnut), steel, gold, brass, horn; ramrod: wood (walnut), brass, steel; case: wood (mahogany), velvet, brass; powder flask: brass, steel, leather; bullet mold: steel; screwdriver: wood (walnut), brass, steel; cleaning rod: wood (walnut), brass, steel; bottle: glass, Dimensions: One of a pair of silver-mounted duelling pistols, hallmarked 1776, with the first recorded use of the helmet and falchion side-plate. 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. 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. Although sometimes the duellists would use their own pistols so the weapons would be different. 15"". Special care was taken when moulding the lead bullets to ensure that there were no voids which would affect accuracy. Steel and Brass Section, Rod and Sheet. ANTIQUE Engraved WOGDON FLINTLOCK Dueling Pistol Pistol Maker of the Pistols Used in the BURR-HAMILTON Duel! A Continental Pin Fire Revolver. Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. The Critical Review; or, Annals of Literature, hot air balloons with blunderbusses over Paris, Duke of York was challenged by his nephew Charles Lennox. Robert Wogdon (1734-1813) is arguably the best known and most respected maker of flintlock dueling pistols. The whereabouts of the second Wogdon pistol are unknown. 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. [3], Duelling pistols had long barrels - typically around 10in (250mm) and fired large, heavy bullets. A PAIR OF ENGLISH FLINTLOCK DUELING PISTOLS by Wogdon & Barton, London The sighted browned octagonal twist steel barrels engraved Wogdon & Barton London, the touch-holes lined in gold with hooked breeches and engraved tangs.Set triggers. [3], In continental Europe, the use of smooth-bored pistols was considered cowardly, and rifled pistols were the norm. While other well-known English gunmakers such as Joseph Manton manufactured fine dueling pistols, Wogdon specialized in them. The Wogdon pistols used in the Hamilton-Burr duel belonged to Hamiltons brother-in-law, Colonel John Barker Church. [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. He died on September 14, 1836, a poor and broken man, on the same day that the divorce was finalized. 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.