Manufacture

Cased pair of Flintlock Duelling pistols finally assembled on 15th January 1814. The outworkers involved in the manufacture were

Mr Lewis who was the “Breecher, Ribber and Screwer-together”, and Mr Dennis, the “Stocker”.

History

Very little history is known about these pistols which were probably numbered 919 and 920 and were made for a Mr Burt who picked them up from the makers on 22 Jan 1814. A copy of the relevant page of Wilkinson’s ‘Gun Record Book’ is available.

Much more is known about the maker James Wilkinson, however it is worth stating that James, ex Henry Nock apprentice and married to a woman Ann Jones who was probably Henry Nocks’ adopted daughter, eventually became a partner in the business, which he finally took over on the death of Nock, in 1805.

James had a son Henry, who carried on the gunmaking business and added swordmaking for which the Wilkinson Sword Company is famous today.

Description

The barrels which are 9.5″ octagonal, sighted, browned twist with a smooth bore size of .545″ (30 bore). They are inscribed on top flat JAs WILKINSON LONDON GUN MAKER to his MAJESTY the London proof and view marks on the bottom flat. Gold and engraved bands at the breech. The outworkers involved in the manufacture were Mr Lewis who was the “Breecher, Ribber and Screwer-together”, and Mr Dennis, the “Stocker”.

The gold lined touch holes with their bolted double raised edge locks with sliding safety bars inscribed JAs WILKINSON and engraved with a sunburst, and classic French cocks, semi- waterproof pans, rollers to feather springs and set triggers make these pistols an impressive pair.

The full stocks are walnut with finely chequered heavy butts carrying engraved spurred guards, with pineapple finials and ramrod pipes. Both ramrods are horn tipped wood with ball extractors.

Accessories

They are cased in their original Mahogany case, 17.5″ x 9.0″ x 2.5″) lined with blue velvet. The case has three locks, two of them sliding, which was considered so different that it was noted in the original Wilkinson sales book next to the entry attributed to these pistols, i.e.: numbers 919 & 920.

Contained with the pistols are the following: .506″ ball mould; interesting three way powder flask; cleaning rod; brass oil bottle; turnscrew; Badger hair pan brush; mainspring clamp and case key.

References

1. Page 93 in “British Gunmakers Cards Cases and Equipment” by Neal and Back, refers to Wilkinson.
2. Copy of original Wilkinson Gun Record Book held in the Wilkinson Sword Company collection and kindly copied by its curator, with entry attributed to these pistols.
3. Page 68 in “Duelling Pistols & some of the Affairs they settled” by John Atkinson refers to Wilkinson.

Summary

The complete set has little evidence of use and has been well cared for. Certain of the accessories are of later addition yet of original pattern.

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Manufacture

The complete set has little evidence of use. Certain of the accessories are of later addition yet of original Manton pattern. These pistols represent the very best of the late percussion duelling weapons credited to one of the greatest gun makers of the time who, before setting up in the business himself, was the foreman to the great gunmaker John Twigg.

History

Each of these 43 bore pistols, as does their case, carry the crest of the Bertie family which held a number of titles including the Dukes of Ancaster and Kesteven and the Earl of Abingdon and Lindsay. Research has revealed that the initials C H B engraved on the pistols and case is possibly Charles Henry Bertie 1814-1899, a gentleman, magistrate and landholder with homes in Surrey and Lincolnshire.

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.

Description

The barrels are 10″ octagonal, sighted, browned twist with bore size of .476″ and scratch rifled. They are inscribed on top flat John Manton & Son Dover Street London and carry the London proof and view marks on the bottom flat with the serial No 11166.
The platina plugged, flat bolted locks with scrolled engraving and sliding safety bars are inscribed Jn Manton & Son Patent with serial No 11166 on inside and fine set triggers.
They are half stocked with horn fore end caps and unusual rounded chequered butts with blued engraved butt caps and silver inset escutcheons engraved with the couped and crowned Saracen’s head. The spurred guards are scroll engraved and numbered. The wooden ramrods have brass concave tips for loading.

Accessories

Original (inscribed in ink, with the number of the pistols on the underneath of the right hand compartment cover) mahogany case (19.5″ x 10″ x 3″). With brass escutcheon engraved with aforementioned crest and initials. Lined with green baize and original trade label.
Contained with the pistols are the following: .456 ball mould; ivory nipple box; cleaning jag & loading mallet; ‘Sykes’ three way powder flask; tin ELEY caps; mainspring clamp; pair of turnscrews split/single blade; hexagon “T” nipple key incorporating a pricker and nipple compartments; patch cutter; pewter oil bottle; case key and a quantity of balls and patches.

References

1. Neal and Back “The Mantons” page 112 a single pistol No 11167 is recorded as being of similar style. Also plate 27 for a similar pair which belonged to Admiral Jephson. It is believed, a further pair, 16 numbers later were owned by General Albert Sidney Johnston and used by him in a duel with Sam Huston of Texas.
2. For the crest see Fairbairn’s Crests, plate 28 No3.
3. John A Wilkinson “The British Duelling Pistol” pages 102 & 104, similar pairs belonged to Major General Henry Oglander and Sir William Anson
4. Neal and Back “British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases & Equipment” page 114 for similar pair and page 188 for trade card.
5. Neal and Back “The Manton Supplement” page 28 for date of manufacture, revised in 1991 by Mr Back to the earlier date of 1836.
6. DHL Back “The Mantons’ page 63, the serial No is listed along with unique features applicable to this set.

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