In some duels, the pistols were carefully and identically loaded, and each duellist was offered his choice of the indistinguishable loaded pistols. He is recorded as 'Gunmaker, at Mr. Maw's Haberdasher, Cockspur St., Charing Cross' in 1764. Many of Wogdons pistols have bent barrels. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 0.00. He returned shortly before the War of 1812. Patron of that Leaden death. Only one of the pair of pistols made by Robert Wogdon that were used in this duel has survived, and is on permanent exhibition at the Museum of London; it presumably belonged to Colonel Lennox. He went perilously close to putting a ball through the dukes head, grazing one of the royal curls an action which would not have improved his military career prospects. Its long barrel, measuring nearly twelve inches in length, indicates its intended use for targets. A cased pair of half-stocked duelling pistols dated 1793. The stock on gun 2 is fine with no cracks or chips and the dents and dings expected of light to moderate use. [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". Both sets of pistols have single set triggers. 1.3 oz. The brown damascus style finish is visible in several areas along with scattered dents and manufacturing defects. 14.75"". They go back centuries to trial by combat, also known as the judicial duel. The Duke had earlier indicated to Colonel Lennox that he wished to desire no protection from his rank. 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. 4.8 oz. The sliding-safety locks are marked in script "Wogdon" over "&" over "Barton". https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/29592. This is famously represented in the book and film The Last Duel. The actions on both pistols function correctly. In 1801, young Philip Hamilton, son of founding father Alexander Hamilton, and his friend and theater manager Stephen Price challenged New York City attorney George Eacker to a duel after confronting Eacker about a Independence Day speech he had given critical of Alexander Hamilton. 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 . 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. The overall length is approx. Such alterations would have taken place at some time after it left Wogdons shop. (42.5 g); screwdriver (e): L. 3 15/16 in. 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. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. 12.9 oz. Starting in 1795 to 1803, he operated with a partner, John Barton, as Wogdon & Barton so this pistol is 1795 or earlier. Gunmaker at Mr. Maws haberdashers, Cockspur St., Charing Cross, 1764. Two discarded Wogdon pistols were discovered. In 1797, Alexander Hamilton's brother-in-law, John Baker Church, had obtained an exquisite pair of custom-made dueling pistols made by Wogdon. (17.1 cm); Wt. 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"". When facing down a, The birth of the legendary Barrett M82 sniper rifle, is a fascinating American tale of inspiration, dedication, and innovation. Chase Manhattan Bank acquired the pistols in 1930, and they now reside at the National Postal Museum. SCHEELS Interestingly these pistols look identical to the pistols used in the Burr-Hamilton duel of 1804, including the 'concealed hair triggers' Description The barrels which are gently swamped to the muzzle, are 10.25 octagonal, sighted, browned twist with a smooth bore size of .550. 1834); Theodore Offerman, New York (until d. 1937; his estate sale, American Art Association-Anderson Galleries, Inc., New York, November 1113, 1937, no. They are immediately recognizable by their elegant proportions, restrained ornament, and technical refinement. 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. They, and the cocks, have raised decorative edges. (44.5 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. British, London, Medium:
The sliding-safety locks are marked in script ""Wogdon"" over ""&"" over ""Barton"". 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]. The bow and butt cap also show engraving. Although their purpose was combat or self-defense, holster pistols were used on occasion to fight duels. Hamilton received a .54-caliber wound to the abdomen from an English-made Wogdon & Barton flintlock smoothbore dueling pistol. Burr was charged with murder but the case never reached trial. The surviving Lennox pistol used in a duel with the Duke of York. Although sometimes the duellists would use their own pistols so the weapons would be different. A PAIR OF FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS BY WOGDON & BARTON, LONDON, CIRCA 1800 With octagonal signed barrels each retaining much original browned finish to the underside, gold-lined touch-holes, deeply scroll engraved tangs, signed flat bevelled bolted locks each with roller, gold-lined priming-pan and some original faded case-hardened finish, set triggers, figured walnut full stocks, engraved . The overall length of this pair of flintlock dueling pistols is approx. 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. But you had never gained so great a name, In England had your pistols killed as few." The Wogdon pistols used in the Hamilton-Burr duel belonged to Hamiltons brother-in-law, Colonel John Barker Church. Colonel Burrs shot struck home and General Hamilton fell almost instantly. They resulted in the deaths of two men from an illustrious American family just a few years apart. It is also only the second pair of Wogdons known with 16-sided barrels. Committed to designing and building . Robert Wogdon and John Barton operated at 14 Haymarket, London, from 1795 to 1803. Mary had already filed for divorce, unheard of in 18th-century England, and this only added to her notoriety. Exactly what happened next has been debated and veiled in mystery ever since. Burrs shot had struck him in the ribs and caused serious damage to his organs and left him paralyzed. Burr was never tried for Hamiltons death, but rather than revive his political career, the duel was its death knell. The hard part would have been shooting both accurately and quickly with your life on the line. 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. Are they bred or made? Duelling pistols are often single-shot flintlock or percussion black-powder pistols which fire a lead ball. Prince William Frederick, Second Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (1803d. He died the following day. The barrels are marked Wogdon & Barton London in script on the top flat. The 10"" swamped at the muzzle octagon 67 caliber smooth bore barrels have good bores with light roughness. Read British gunmakers of the 21st century for more about the companies continuing a long tradition. 14.75". [3][4] Wogdon formed a partnership in 1794 with John Barton, after which their pistols were signed Wogdon and Barton. Engraved in gold on the barrel: ARGer DE L'EMPEREUR. Both pistols have their original iron-tipped ramrods with an attached worm at the end.
A pair of duels in the early 19th century in America have done much to fix Wogdons name in American memory. This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Famous for duelling pistols. [7], The most famous and innovative manufacturers were London-based companies such as Wogdon & Barton, Durs Egg, Manton, Mortimer, Nock, and Purdey. Nonetheless, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel to repair his reputation. 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. 0.5 oz. 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. 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. The Burr-Hamilton duel pistols were originally in a very similar configuration to this pair. A Rifled Pocket Pistol by Smith. Great Britain and Ireland, 1600-1800 A.D. Pistol Kits; Chemicals and Compounds. This resulted in a further duel between Colonel Lennox and Swift, which resulted in the unfortunate Swift being shot in the abdomen. He was only 19 years old. 0.8 oz. We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. In London, the first recorded pistol duel was in 1711[Note 1] but the use of pistols was unusual until the 1760s. .38 in. (41 cm); L. of barrel 11 15/16 in. Research suggests the attribution is spurious, though the quality is superb. 15". Browse SCHEELS selection of handguns and pistols featuring top brands like Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson, & more. Dueling pistol makers continued to innovate through the end of the flintlock era and into the percussion era. The top center of the oval has what appears to be some kind of bird figure and a sword. Robert Wogden was one of the preeminent gunsmiths of his era. Gunsmith Wogdon & Barton British
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. He then fled to Europe where he continued to conspire to steal land in the West. During his lifetime Wogdons pistols were considered to be of unsurpassed quality and reliability, to the point that they were even sold to clients in North America. Wogdon apprenticed to Edward Newton in 1748, according to Howard Blackmore in Gunmakers of London, 1350-1850. After he finished his apprenticeship, he ran his own shop and then partnered with John Barton in 1795 and retired in 1803. Thereafter they quickly took over and after 1785 it was rare for a sword duel to be fought in London. [2] The name Wogdon became synonymous with dueling, to the extent that duels in England were sometimes referred to as "a Wogdon affair". Firearms-Pistols-Flintlock, Credit Line:
(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. 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. The ultimate pocket pistol, derringer handguns are lightweight, compact, and can easily be tucked away in a pocket or purse. One could be excused for not recognising the pistols used in the Hamilton-Burr duel as having been made by the famous Wogdon. A Scarce Double Barrel Pocket Pistol . When it came down to staring down an opponent, many men put their trust in gunmakers like Robert Wogdon rather than divine intervention. .36 in (9.3 mm); Wt. This was a legal proceeding in which a persons guilt or innocence was determined by the outcome of a fight. 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. 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. Robert Wogdon (1734-1813) is arguably the best known and most respected maker of flintlock dueling pistols. Colonel Lennox fired and the ball grazed one of his Royal Highness curls. These consisted of wax bullets in a cartridge without any powder charge; the bullet was propelled only by the explosion of the cartridge's primer. He died early the next morning. 0.00. More Info. The crest and monogram strongly suggest they may have belonged to Wogdons son-in-law, William Butt Jnr. By candlelight it was obvious that Stoney had been seriously injured with three stab wounds to the chest. Purpose-built duelling pistols have various improvements to make them more reliable and accurate. 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 and the Duke, accompanied by their seconds, met on Wimbledon Common on the morning of 26 May. Wogdon made the pistols used in the infamous BurrHamilton duel, which were later claimed to have concealed "hair triggers" (also known as set triggers). Though disputed, this duel most likely took place on 26 May 1789. To order, please call 01666 502200 or email: [email protected], This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Luxury stationery: a wonderfully sensuous experience. His father told him to fire to miss, known as deloping, rather than take a mans life. Ref: 582. Again, the affair began with politics. The whereabouts of the second Wogdon pistol are unknown. Thus, firing too early might make you more likely to miss and have to risk being shot at from a shorter range. The actions on both pistols function correctly. John Barton (British, recorded 17951819), Culture:
Pistol dueling was an associate (non-medal) event at the 1906 and 1908 Olympic games (see Olympic dueling). (44.5 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. Carried to his Manhattan home, Hamilton lingered in agony, the pistol ball lodged next to his spine. Instead, the duelists should fire quickly. Robert Wogdon, a gunmaker most famous for his dueling pistols, partnered with John Barton late in his career. As you can see, hitting a man-sized target with a muzzleloading pistol wouldnt have been particularly difficult. 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. Cased Pair of John Blissett & Son Percussion Dueling Pistols: Lot 332 Four British Prime Ministers have engaged in duels throughout history. Mechanically fine. A serious pistol shot would practise with his own pair and would be reluctant to provide one of his pistols to his adversary. 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. 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. E ach 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 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. While other well-known English gunmakers such as Joseph Manton manufactured fine dueling pistols, Wogdon specialized in them. The doctors concluded that Stoneys injuries might well prove fatal. Given both men had time to take deliberate aim, neither may walk away unscathed, and the chance of death was high. The overall length is approx. David S. Weaver covered this for the American Society of Arms Collectors,but in short, Wodgons barrels were bent downwards slightly. [11] A pair of rifled pistols often included a small hammer or mallet as an accessory; they used slightly oversized bullets and a hammer was needed to drive the bullet down the barrel when loading. When General Hamilton arrived, the seconds measured out the distance, 10 full paces, and cast lots for the choice of position. More Info. Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. Compounds and Solutions for Wood.
This could certainly be a risky proposition if you didnt get to shoot first. (9.6 mm); Wt. 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 [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. 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. 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 name Wogdon or, as it was sometimes recorded, Wogden or Wegden, suggests its origin might have been in some long-forgotten ancient craft or trade, or the name of one of the more than 3,000 lost medieval villages, the names of which have long since disappeared from the map. 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. (36.9 g); bullet mould (d): L. 4 13/16 (12.2 cm); Cal. His total production of duelling pistols over the 39 years that he was a gunmaker is unknown. To this day, debate still rages as to whether Alexander Hamilton deliberately fired high over Burrs head to demonstrate he had no intention of shooting Burr, or whether his pistol prematurely discharged due to the set trigger before he could properly bring his pistol to bear. The next day it was Hamiltons turn to face Eacker at ten paces. All the metal has a smooth gray-brown patina. (41 cm); L. of barrel 11 15/16 in. (10 cm); Wt. Wogdon & Barton was an 18th-century firm of gunsmiths based in London, England. Whether Lennox had used his Wogdons in his duel with Swift is not known. 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. [12], Pairs of duelling pistols can be easily confused with holster pistols and travelling pistols. This nice single dueling flintlock pistol by a very well known maker is ready for your English flintlock pistol collection. Duelling pistols have long and heavy barrels - the added weight helped steady aim and reduce recoil. 15"". SOLD. A Very Fine Cased Pair of 28-Bore Duelling Pistols. Click here for more information. 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. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. Two loud bangs followed by the unmistakable sound of clashing swords were heard and, with the help of waiters, the door was forced open. 3 lb. There's a lot going on in this escutcheon! 1 lb. 1 lb. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Surprisingly, Lee was only lightly wounded and the affair ultimately ended without another exchange, in part due to Alexander Hamiltons role as Laurenss second.