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. 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. A Scarce Double Barrel Pocket Pistol . Both sets of pistols have single set triggers. Colonel Burr arrived first. 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. 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! If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. With swamped octagonal sighted barrels each signed in script along the top flat and engraved with a band of beadwork at the breech, silver fore-sights, tangs each incorporating the back-sight and finely engraved with foliage, signed flat . [7] The name Wogden in particular became associated with duelling pistols, to the extent that a duel was sometimes referred to by lawyers as a "Wogden Case". Died aged 79. 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. [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. 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. Colonel Lennox wrote a circular to every member of Daubignys asking whether such words had been used about him and requesting an answer within the next seven days, adding that no reply would be considered equivalent to a declaration that nothing had been said. [7], The most famous and innovative manufacturers were London-based companies such as Wogdon & Barton, Durs Egg, Manton, Mortimer, Nock, and Purdey. His pistols had now reached a level of perfect proportions and balance, and had a simple elegance that could hardly be improved. Great Britain and Ireland, 1600-1800 A.D. No details as to the pistol used by the Duke of York have so far been found. Robert Wogdon (British, 17341813), Gunsmith: The bow and butt cap also show engraving. These shots were fired at 25 yards with rapid dueling style aim rather than carefully deliberate aim. The ultimate pocket pistol, derringer handguns are lightweight, compact, and can easily be tucked away in a pocket or purse. [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. The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. 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. Read British gunmakers of the 21st century for more about the companies continuing a long tradition. British, London, Medium: The plot was foiled, but he was acquitted. Its long barrel, measuring nearly twelve inches in length, indicates its intended use for targets. Wogdon retired in 1803 and died in 1813. This is famously represented in the book and film The Last Duel. Surprisingly, Lee was only lightly wounded and the affair ultimately ended without another exchange, in part due to Alexander Hamiltons role as Laurenss second. Famous for duelling pistols. He was only 19 years old. 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. Pair of Wogdon & Barton Flintlock Dueling Pistols (AH6322), 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. 19th September 2018. [3][4] Wogdon formed a partnership in 1794 with John Barton, after which their pistols were signed Wogdon and Barton. More Info. Exactly what happened next has been debated and veiled in mystery ever since. The barrels are marked Wogdon & Barton London in script on the top flat. This supremely elegant target pistol is among their most accomplished work. There were also varieties of barrier duels in which the duelist started a set number of paces apart with a barrier in the center. 0.5 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. He was found guilty of conspiracy to abduct Mary and sentenced to three years in prison, though he managed to spend his prison term in comfort due to his continued access to Marys estate. Estimated at $7,500-$12,000, these dueling pistols are beautiful, rare, and historically significant. Again, the affair began with politics. 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. The Critical Review; or, Annals of Literature, hot air balloons with blunderbusses over Paris, Duke of York was challenged by his nephew Charles Lennox. This nice single dueling flintlock pistol by a very well known maker is ready for your English flintlock pistol collection. 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.. Dueling as a way to protect one's reputation has long faded from acceptable behavior, but these paired and cased dueling pistols for sale in Rock Island Auction Company's Aug. 26-28 Premier Auction are a fascinating way to recall a different time and a different way of personal conduct. Original Tools. 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! 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. 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. Holster pistols, or horse pistols were used on horseback and carried in pairs in a leather holster slung across a horse's saddle. Patron of that Leaden death. Hamiltons pistol went off and struck the ground. When it came down to staring down an opponent, many men put their trust in gunmakers like Robert Wogdon rather than divine intervention. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Patron of that Leaden death!" Travelling pistols, also known as overcoat pistols, were intended for use by travellers to protect themselves from highwaymen and footpads; unlike duelling pistols, they were commonly rifled. The barrels on earlier guns were cylindrical, while later ones tended to be octagonal. It is now half-stocked with a silver fore-end and a rounded, chequered butt with spurred trigger-guard. Cobra Derringers are beautifully handcrafted with a wide range of calibers and barrel lengths that provides versatile and reliable service for a lifetime. The breech plug tangs, butt caps, and trigger guards have decorative engraving. (6.7 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. Derringer Handguns For Sale :: Guns.com 2/18/2023 Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. From 9mm to 45 ACP, find the best pistol for you. 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. Hamilton, Burr, their seconds, and a doctor met at Heights of Weehawken in New Jersey, a popular but secluded dueling ground, on that fateful July morning. Generally, if both duelists fired without effect, the challenger could declare himself satisfied or demand another exchange. (44.5 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. Its long barrel, measuring nearly twelve inches in length, indicates its intended use for targets. [3], Duelling pistols had long barrels - typically around 10in (250mm) and fired large, heavy bullets. Browse SCHEELS selection of handguns and pistols featuring top brands like Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson, & more. 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. His Royal Highness replied he should say nothing, after which all parties left the ground. The Field is the oldest and ultimate sporting journal, covering everything rural types care about since 1853. 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. (41 cm); L. of barrel 11 15/16 in. Compounds and Solutions for Metals. 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. Thereafter they quickly took over and after 1785 it was rare for a sword duel to be fought in London. 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. The victor is presumed to be the just party in the case because the divine would have chosen the winner. This resulted in a further duel between Colonel Lennox and Swift, which resulted in the unfortunate Swift being shot in the abdomen. Alternatively, the duelists might exchange shots in turn instead of firing at the same time as was the case in the Laurens-Grimk duel in 1775. Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. The Burr and Hamilton Duel at Weehawken, New Jersey, July 11, 1804 The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments. 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. 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. [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. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. One Theophilus Swift was to write a pamphlet on the affair, taking the Dukes side. 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. There's a lot going on in this escutcheon! 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. That may have been one option, but it doesnt appear to have been common. This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. 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. 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. A cased pair of half-stocked duelling pistols dated 1793. The 9 5/8"" octagon 64 caliber swamped smooth bore barrel has a fair bore with pitting. 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. 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. Burr was unharmed but stood in shock before being rushed away from the scene as was customary. 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. 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.[6]. But you had never gained so great a name, In England had your pistols killed as few." [16][17] The famous fictional duel between Pierre and Dolokhov in the novel War and Peace was of this kind. The only recorded Wogdon pistol with a brass barrel, hallmarked 1791. (17.1 cm); Wt. Not all fine, antique pairs of pistols are duelling pistols, though they may be called so. Churchs Wogdon & Barton pistols were used on July 11, 1804, close to where the young Hamilton had been mortally wounded. 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. (42.5 g); screwdriver (e): L. 3 15/16 in. Click here for more information. Robert Wogden was one of the preeminent gunsmiths of his era. The overall length of the pistols is 16in and the smooth-bore octagonal barrels are 29-bore. The lock, which is bright along with the cock, is marked in script ""Wogdon"". At first glance, the surviving pistol is not immediately recognisable as the work of Robert Wogdon. [3], In continental Europe, the use of smooth-bored pistols was considered cowardly, and rifled pistols were the norm. Lot 3248 in the upcoming August 26-28 Premier Auction: A classic pair of Wogdon dueling pistols from circa 1780. Are they bred or made? SOLD. Pistols with rifled barrels spin-stabilize the shot when it is fired, resulting in much improved accuracy. 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. Had Lennox refused to challenge the Duke, his reputation as an officer and a gentleman would have been irrevocably compromised. The best hunting horse. (6.7 cm); W. 17 1/2 in. The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver, and the latter have a monogram that appears to be the initials "LD." SOLD. The barrels have a decorative band around the breech end. Duelling pistols are often single-shot flintlock or percussion black-powder pistols which fire a lead ball. 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. 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. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. For this reason, very few duels can now be confidently identified as those in which Wogdon pistols were used. The stock on gun 2 is fine with no cracks or chips and the dents and dings expected of light to moderate use. However, there is rarely any information as to the type, ownership or maker of the pistols used. (30.3 cm); Cal. (36.9 g); bullet mould (d): L. 4 13/16 (12.2 cm); Cal. Free ground shipping on all US Online Orders over $100! (10 cm); Wt. Church himself had fought a bloodless duel with Burr a few years earlier. 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. 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. They, and the cocks, have raised decorative edges. 1.5 oz. "Pair of Wogdon & Barton Flintlock Dueling Pistols (AH6322)" for sale online. More Info. Click here for more information. Burr appears to have had no such qualms and had been practicing his marksmanship. Burrs shot had struck him in the ribs and caused serious damage to his organs and left him paralyzed. Flintlock Target Pistol of Prince William Frederick, Second Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (17761834), with Case and Accessories, Gunsmith: 0.00. 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. (14.2 g); case (g): H. 2 5/8 in. A Rare Pair Of 40-Bore Flintlock Overcoat Or Travelling PistolsBy Wogdon & Barton Of London, Circa 1800. Finally, a published letter made reference to a particularly despicable opinion Hamilton had expressed about Burr. Their "saw handle" stocks are one of just many designs English gunmakers experimented with in their efforts to create deadly accurate dueling pistols. He carried on his business in Haymarket from 1774 until his retirement in 1802. More Info. Lot 1275: Cased Pair of Griffin & Tow flintlock dueling pistols circa 1780. Mary had already filed for divorce, unheard of in 18th-century England, and this only added to her notoriety. Pistols with calibers of 0.45in (11mm), 0.52in (13mm), 0.58in (15mm) or even 0.65in (17mm) were common. This is a very nice pair of dueling pistols by a well-known maker of quality flintlock pistols. Fate or divine intervention was a key aspect of the origins of dueling. (14.2 g); case (g): H. 2 5/8 in. An eagle is engraved on the headband. Such alterations would have taken place at some time after it left Wogdons shop. In the Lee-Laurens duel mentioned above, the two men resolved to walk towards one another and fire at will and exchanged shots at just five or six paces. London proof marks and RW barrel makers mark. Robert Wogdon & John Barton Gunmakers, 14 Haymarket, 1795-1803. 37.154.3ag. The various component parts of these firearms were individually produced under the direction of a master gunmaker by highly specialized craftsmen, including a lock smith, barrel forger, stocker, and engraver. (42.5 g); screwdriver (e): L. 3 15/16 in. Dueling pistol makers continued to innovate through the end of the flintlock era and into the percussion era. As the distance closed they could fire at will. Two discarded Wogdon pistols were discovered. The Faur Le Page company of France made special pistols for sport duelling. 1 lb. Wood for Gunsmithing and restoration. [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. 0.5 oz. Since the 1800s, explorers and dangerous game hunters navigating the African bush have trusted their lives to the double rifle. All the shooter has to do to set the trigger is press it forward, something readily found in examination by anyone knowledgeable with dueling pistols, and a feature I would expect the seconds to explain if one or both duelists was inexperienced. 1 lb. One of a pair of silver-mounted duelling pistols, hallmarked 1776, with the first recorded use of the helmet and falchion side-plate. SOLD. In London, the first recorded pistol duel was in 1711[Note 1] but the use of pistols was unusual until the 1760s. Robert Wogdon produced flintlock firearms from the 1760s, and was particularly well known for his high quality duelling pistols. 3 lb. A Duelling Pistol by Edwards of Dublin. Colonel Burrs shot struck home and General Hamilton fell almost instantly. Hamilton did not elaborate but indicated his remarks were political, not personal, which would imply that Burrs honor had not been drawn into question. 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. Given both men had time to take deliberate aim, neither may walk away unscathed, and the chance of death was high. Hosted and Maintained by TwoPointZero IT. 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. Two pairs of pistols allowed for a second exchange of shots if both missed and the challenger of the duel was intent on continuing. The locks are signed "Wogdon/&/Barton" and have frizzen rollers, sliding half-cock safeties, and stepped tails. They are immediately recognizable by their elegant proportions, restrained ornament, and technical refinement. In some duels, the pistols were carefully and identically loaded, and each duellist was offered his choice of the indistinguishable loaded pistols. 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. 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. Like that pair, these pistols have "concealed" single set triggers, a standard feature of their pistols rather than a secret designed to give one duelist an advantage over the other. 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. This is an edited extract from Robert Wogdon, Wogdon & Barton, John Barton, London Gunmakers 1764-1819, price 75, published by Bonhams. 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. 7 oz. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. 7 oz. 0.00. (136.1 g); cleaning rod (c): L. 15 1/2 in. Burr was charged with murder but the case never reached trial. The 9 5/8" octagon 64 caliber swamped smooth bore barrel has a fair bore . Lot 3247: A very desirable cased pair of Wogdon & Barton flintlock dueling pistols from circa 1795-1803. All the metal has a smooth gray-brown patina. [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. [1] The name Wogdon became synonymous with dueling, to the extent that duels in England were sometimes referred to as "a Wogdon affair". This time by his father and Vice President Aaron Burr. When a duel was fought with a single pair of pistols it was because neither duellist owned their own and the pistols were supplied by a third party. To order, please call 01666 502200 or email: subscriptions@bonhams.com, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Luxury stationery: a wonderfully sensuous experience. With John Barton traded as Wogdon & Barton, from 1795, succeeded by Barton, 1803. More Info. 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. Robert Wogdon and John Barton operated at 14 Haymarket, London, from 1795 to 1803. [2] Much to everyones surprise, following the wedding Stoney made a rapid and complete recovery. 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. SOLD. Contrary to popular belief, duelling pistols were made as a cased pair, not to provide a weapon for each adversary but rather so each adversary could have a second pistol if a second shot was required. Guns International #: 102053710 Seller's Inventory #: AH6322. The barrels were given a blued or browned finish to reduce glare. As the smoke cleared, Alexander Hamilton lay mortally wounded. The crest and monogram strongly suggest they may have belonged to Wogdons son-in-law, William Butt Jnr. Wogdon & Barton was an 18th-century firm of gunsmiths based in London, England. Although their purpose was combat or self-defense, holster pistols were used on occasion to fight duels. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. On 13 January 1777 at the Adelphi Tavern and Coffeehouse, Bate was accosted by Stoney and the duel proceeded without any witnesses. Poem, Stanzas on Duelling, by an Irish Volunteer, 1783, began Hail Wogden, Patron of that Leaden death. 283, sold to MMA). When his second wife divorced him in 1834, Alexander Hamilton Jr. served as her lawyer.
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