Haymarket, 1774-1802. A duelling pistol is a type of pistol that was manufactured in matching pairs to be used in a duel, when duels were customary. Robert Wogdon produced flintlock firearms from the 1760s, and was particularly well known for his high quality duelling pistols. [12], Late model English duelling pistols fired by percussion cap, bearing the Royal Warrant on the case, Earlier English flintlock duelling pistols made by Wogdon & Barton, used in the fatal Burr-Hamilton duel of 1804. This pair is rifled, something forbidden by the 18th century dueling codes but that became more accepted in the 19th century, especially in continental Europe where it became standard. [2] The name Wogdon became synonymous with dueling, to the extent that duels in England were sometimes referred to as "a Wogdon affair". 1 lb. 283, sold to MMA). Materials. 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 usual duelling distance of 12 paces was measured out and it was agreed that both parties would fire at the given signal. Initially, both men refused to fire. Tools for metal. 4.8 oz. Burr, with his political prospects already fading, demanded an explanation of what Hamilton had said about him, and a series of notes were exchanged. They resulted in the deaths of two men from an illustrious American family just a few years apart. Wogdon had apprenticed to the Irish gunmaker Edward Norton in Lincolnshire. This supremely elegant target pistol is among their most accomplished work. Taking deliberate aim, was considered vicious and discouraged. Exactly what happened next has been debated and veiled in mystery ever since. The Met Collection API is where all makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers can now connect to the most up-to-date data and images for more than 470,000 artworks in The Met collection. SOLD. It also breaks from the longstanding tradition of decorative opulence in fine Continental European firearms.London gunmakers favored subtle embellishments that complemented the firearms deliberate and meticulous assemblies. Four years later, in 1808, Burr met Jeremy Bentham, the noted English philosopher, and Bentham claimed to have been certain of his (Burrs) ability to kill Hamilton. Churchs Wogdon & Barton pistols were used on July 11, 1804, close to where the young Hamilton had been mortally wounded. 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. The events that culminated in the duel were the result of several years of simmering political differences and antagonism. 0.00. The engraving on the escutcheon merits further research. The barrels were given a blued or browned finish to reduce glare. However, for at least twenty years before the BurrHamilton duel, English duelling pistols by all the top makers had been customarily fitted with set triggers. 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. (6.7 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. Lot 1278: Cased pair of Walter Adams percussion dueling pistols. Flintlock Target Pistol of Prince William Frederick, Second Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (17761834), with Case and Accessories, Gunsmith: Threading and drilling tooling. [18] For an eye-witness account of such a duel, see Reynolds (1839).[14]. 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. 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. Burr appears to have had no such qualms and had been practicing his marksmanship. From about 1790 firearms were generally fitted with mahogany cases, whose interiors were lined with green baize (woolen cloth) and subdivided into discrete compartments for the weapon, tools, and accessories. A pair of duels in the early 19th century in America have done much to fix Wogdons name in American memory. Robert Wogden was one of the preeminent gunsmiths of his era. Such alterations would have taken place at some time after it left Wogdons shop. The seven days having expired and no club member recollecting to have heard such words, Colonel Lennox felt justified in concluding that they were never uttered. 0.5 oz. Steel and Brass Section, Rod and Sheet. Each pistol with 10 inch rebrowned sighted octagonal barrel inscribed Wogdon & Barton London on the top flat, gold lined touch hole, foliate engraved tang incorporating the rear sight, flat bevel edged signed lock with stepped tail and sliding safety, set trigger, figured walnut full stock, swelling flat sided butt, engraved iron furniture including trigger guard with pineapple finial, horn tipped ramrod; contained in their original baize lined mahogany case with accessories including a leather bodied flask, flint wallet and cleaning rod, the exterior with recessed brass carrying handle. 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 . The breech plug tangs, butt caps, and trigger guards have decorative engraving. Some say Hamilton threw away his shot on purpose as he had declared he intended to do privately and then Burr fired, while others suggest Hamilton fired reflexively after being shot. Description The barrels are 10 octagonal, sighted, browned twist with bore size of .476 and scratch rifled. One of a pair of silver-mounted duelling pistols, hallmarked 1776, with the first recorded use of the helmet and falchion side-plate. The next day it was Hamiltons turn to face Eacker at ten paces. 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. SOLD. Tragically, on 21 November 1801, Churchs Wogdon pistols were used in a duel between Hamiltons eldest son, Philip, and George Eaker, a Jefferson supporter who had publicly made insulting remarks about Alexander Hamilton. Robert Wogdon produced flintlock firearms from the 1760s, and was particularly well known for his high quality duelling pistols. [2] The name Wogdon became synonymous with dueling, to the extent that duels in England were sometimes referred to as "a Wogdon affair". 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"". A Duelling Pistol by Edwards of Dublin. Of course if you could hit your opponent first, you might not have to be fired upon at all. Wogdon retired in 1803 and died in 1813. The brown damascus style finish is visible in several areas along with scattered dents and manufacturing defects. 0.00. Lot 231: Cased pair of H. Bales flintlock dueling pistols. Two pairs of pistols allowed for a second exchange of shots if both missed and the challenger of the duel was intent on continuing. 4.8 oz. Wogdon & Barton (British, London 17951803), Gunsmith: 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. Pistols with calibers of 0.45in (11mm), 0.52in (13mm), 0.58in (15mm) or even 0.65in (17mm) were common. Wogdons guns were designed to be aimed quickly, reliably fire, and shoot true. Wogdon & Barton dueling pistols Wogdon & Barton (founded by Robert Wogdon) was an 18th-century firm of gunsmiths based in London, England. A cased pair of half-stocked duelling pistols dated 1793. 0.00. The poem alludes to fate but suggests a duelists destiny lay in Wogdons hand. Whatever the eventual outcome, it was the expected duty of both the parties seconds to record faithfully all details of the duel, from the original insult, the issuing of the challenge to the eventual outcome. All rights reserved. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. Two loud bangs followed by the unmistakable sound of clashing swords were heard and, with the help of waiters, the door was forced open. Derringer Handguns For Sale :: Guns.com 2/18/2023 However, for at least twenty years before the BurrHamilton duel, English duelling pistols by all the top makers had been customarily fitted with set triggers. Colonel Lennox fired and the ball grazed one of his Royal Highness curls. 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. Forging damascus steel barrels the rarest of skills, The Fields bucket list for a sporting year, Seasons greetings a love letter to postage stamps. The top center of the oval has what appears to be some kind of bird figure and a sword. 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. In some situations, the duelist who had already fired was also supposed to keep advancing until the opponent had fired. When his second wife divorced him in 1834, Alexander Hamilton Jr. served as her lawyer. The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes. As the smoke cleared, Alexander Hamilton lay mortally wounded. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. An eagle is engraved on the headband. 0.00. By 1780, Wogdon had settled on the final form for his duelling pistols and saw no reason for any . By 1780, Wogdon had settled on the final form for his duelling pistols and saw no reason for any major changes over the next 23 years. Pair of Four-Barreled Turnover Percussion Pistols of Henry Pelham Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, 4th Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne (17851851), with Pair of Box-Lock Turn-Off Pocket Pistols, Case, and Accessories, Double-Barrel Breech-Loading Pinfire Shotgun, Breech-Loading Rimfire Cartridge Pistol with Case and Accessories. This article about a company of the UK is a stub. The Duke of York had publicly insulted him and had virtually accused him of cowardice. As you can see, hitting a man-sized target with a muzzleloading pistol wouldnt have been particularly difficult. (39.4 cm); Wt. Design [ edit] [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. (1219 g); powder flask (b): H. 4 1/8 in. Lot 3248 in the upcoming August 26-28 Premier Auction: A classic pair of Wogdon dueling pistols from circa 1780. Eacker had called the two young men damned rascals.. His pistols had now reached a level of perfect proportions and balance, and had a simple elegance that could hardly be improved. 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. Robert Wogdon (1734-1813) is arguably the best known and most respected maker of flintlock dueling pistols. (3.8 cm); Wt. 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. He formally called upon the Duke either to give up the name of his false informant or afford him satisfaction. 1 lb. Wogdon & Barton (founded by Robert Wogdon) was an 18th-century firm of gunsmiths based in London, England. Compounds and Solutions for Metals. Hamiltons pistol went off and struck the ground. The barrels are marked Wogdon & Barton London in script on the top flat. Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded. In some duels, the pistols were carefully and identically loaded, and each duellist was offered his choice of the indistinguishable loaded pistols. (14.2 g); case (g): H. 2 5/8 in. Robert Wogdon and John Barton operated at 14 Haymarket, London, from 1795 to 1803. Robert Wogdon (British, 17341813), Gunsmith: But you had never gained so great a name, In England had your pistols killed as few." See "A." They have small blade front and fixed notch rear sights. More Info. Hamilton did not elaborate but indicated his remarks were political, not personal, which would imply that Burrs honor had not been drawn into question. Until the mid-18th century, duels were typically fought with swords. 0.8 oz. 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. More Info. 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. They, and the cocks, have raised decorative edges. With John Barton traded as Wogdon & Barton, from 1795, succeeded by Barton, 1803. When Charles Lee and John Laurens dueled during the American Revolution, they each brought a pair. The 9 5/8"" octagon 64 caliber swamped smooth bore barrel has a fair bore with pitting. Pistol dueling was an associate (non-medal) event at the 1906 and 1908 Olympic games (see Olympic dueling). Remarkable design and engineering continues to mark out the British gun trade. This is a very nice pair of dueling pistols by a well-known maker of quality flintlock pistols. (9.6 mm); Wt. Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. He returned shortly before the War of 1812. 1.3 oz. [3][4] Wogdon formed a partnership in 1794 with John Barton, after which their pistols were signed Wogdon and Barton. Gunmakers to Bow St. Police, 1801-3. 7 oz. The breech plug tangs, butt caps, and trigger guards have decorative engraving. Although their purpose was combat or self-defense, holster pistols were used on occasion to fight duels. 14.75"". At some stage after they left Wogdons shop their original elegant full stocks were replaced with rather ugly heavy bronze fore-ends, perhaps to add muzzle weight to shift the centre of balance and reduce barrel flip. This could certainly be a risky proposition if you didnt get to shoot first. Robert Wogdon produced flintlock firearms from the 1760s, and was particularly well known for his high quality duelling pistols. 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. Burrs intention seems quite clear. Mary had already filed for divorce, unheard of in 18th-century England, and this only added to her notoriety. From 9mm to 45 ACP, find the best pistol for you. Not all fine, antique pairs of pistols are duelling pistols, though they may be called so. The Faur Le Page company of France made special pistols for sport duelling. The seconds turned their backs, so they could deny being credible witnesses to what transpired should they be drawn into court. "The Best Damn Gunshop in the World" 2023 Rock Island Auction Company. The overall length is approx. We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. Please use the print button in the share bar at the top of the page. If either party was injured at all, the seconds were generally expected to work to declare the duel was over. Wogdon made the pistols used in the infamous BurrHamilton duel, which were later claimed to have concealed "hair triggers" (also known as set triggers). [2] One of a pair of silver-mounted duelling pistols, the earliest Wogdon set with silver by Michael Barnett, registered on 29 June 1781. John OSullivan and De Witt Bailey chart the life and work of the gunmaker known for his duelling pistols in their new book, Robert Wogdon, Wogdon & Barton, John Barton, London Gunmakers 1764-1819. This nice single dueling flintlock pistol by a very well known maker is ready for your English flintlock pistol collection. The emotional trauma that Alexander Hamilton must have suffered three years later, facing Aaron Burr on the same spot where his son had been killed, and with perhaps the same pistol that he himself was now holding, can hardly be imagined. 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. [6], Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh. When it came down to staring down an opponent, many men put their trust in gunmakers like Robert Wogdon rather than divine intervention. 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. When facing down a, The birth of the legendary Barrett M82 sniper rifle, is a fascinating American tale of inspiration, dedication, and innovation. With John Barton, traded Wogdon & Barton from 1795, succeeded by Barton, 1803. Wogdon had apprenticed to the Irish gunmaker Edward Norton in Lincolnshire. His father told him to fire to miss, known as deloping, rather than take a mans life. Famous for duelling pistols. (10.5 cm); Wt. One could be excused for not recognising the pistols used in the Hamilton-Burr duel as having been made by the famous Wogdon. [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. Both pistols have their original iron-tipped ramrods with an attached worm at the end. The whereabouts of the second Wogdon pistol are unknown. Somewhat reluctantly, Mary agreed and four days later Stoney was carried on a stretcher down the aisle of St Jamess Church, Piccadilly, to marry Mary Elizabeth Bowes, Dowager Countess of Strathmore. With re-browned swamped octagonal sighted barrel (bore pitted) with crudely refreshed signature along the top flat and line of beadwork at the rear, silver fore-sight, border engraved tang with back-sight and decorated with a shell and foliage, signed detented flat . The brown damascus style finish is . 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. 12.9 oz. In Britain, the favoured type was for the duellists to stand still at an agreed distance and shoot when given the signal. Duelling pistols have long and heavy barrels - the added weight helped steady aim and reduce recoil. However, it was acceptable for duels to be fought with different pistols and for each duellist to use their own pair, so they could use weapons they were familiar with. Click Photo to Enlarge Guns International #: 101363115 Seller's Inventory #: 190413 Category Antique Pistols - Flintlock Handguns - European Pistols Seller's Information Lot 3247: A very desirable cased pair of Wogdon & Barton flintlock dueling pistols from circa 1795-1803. This was a legal proceeding in which a persons guilt or innocence was determined by the outcome of a fight. Lennox grazed the Dukes curls, and the Duke held his fire. Nonetheless, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel to repair his reputation. Gunsmith Robert Wogdon British Then Eacker raised his pistol and shot Hamilton above the hip. A fine duelling pistol by one of the best makers, in good condition, Robert Wogdon was apprenticed to Edward Newton of Grantham, Lincolnshire in 1748. Given both men had time to take deliberate aim, neither may walk away unscathed, and the chance of death was high. [13][Note 4], There were various forms of pistol duel. When General Hamilton arrived, the seconds measured out the distance, 10 full paces, and cast lots for the choice of position. That may have been one option, but it doesnt appear to have been common. This emphasis on the purity of form references the Neoclassical style then in vogue. 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. They, and the cocks, have raised decorative edges. 2023 Rock Island Auction Company. The locks are signed "Wogdon/&/Barton" and have frizzen rollers, sliding half-cock safeties, and stepped tails. (42.5 g); screwdriver (e): L. 3 15/16 in. 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. 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. 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. The stock is very good with the typical flat sided Wogdon style grips, two fastening wedges, no cracks or chips (except a small chip at the forward lock screw), and the wear expected of a 225 plus year old flintlock pistol. Both sets of pistols have single set triggers. He was, at his death, described by his long-term friend, surgeon Jesse Foot, who had attended his duelling injuries 33 years earlier, as a villain to the backbone cowardly, insidious, hypocritical, tyrannic, mean, violent, selfish, jealous, revengeful, inhuman and savage without a counterveiling quality. Robert Wogdon & John Barton Gunmakers, 14 Haymarket, 1795-1803. Gunsmith John Barton British. However, in some duels where the parties truly despised one another and the insults had been particularly serious, the adversaries agreed to duel until one of them was too injured to go on or killed. Rogers Fund, 1937, Accession Number: Philip was mortally wounded, and died in agony the following day. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. 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. The hard part would have been shooting both accurately and quickly with your life on the line.
Intramaps Margaret River,
Salem, Oregon Rainfall 2021,
Dallin H Oaks Conference Talks,
Do You Pay Taxes On Permanent Disability,
Articles W