Pistol, duelling pistol

Duelling pistols with saw-handled butts came onto the market in around 1805. The shape of the grip helped to steady the user's aim when firing. They also had a distinctive aesthetic quality which set them apart from other duelling pistols available at the time. Competition in the London gun trade was fierce so makers would strive to outdo eachother through innovation. These pistols were made by a Birmingham maker, William Jones, although they are marked 'London'. Owing to the capital's dominant position in the national gun trade, it was common practice for provincial makers to mark their guns in this manner. It is likely that a high quality Birmingham gunmaker like Jones would also have had a retail outlet in London.

Until 1781 gun manufacturers had to register their mark with the London Gunmakers' Company in order to have their guns viewed and proofed (test fired) which guaranteed their quality. In the 18th century Birmingham emerged as London's main rival in the gun trade and its makers began to win government and other lucrative corporate contracts. The Gunmakers' Company was therefore forced to proof guns and parts made by what it termed 'Foreigners', makers who were not Freemen of the City of London. 'Foreigners' were not allowed to use their own marks however. The Company introduced a special foreign mark, the letter F under a crown, and a special proof charge. The London Company gradually saw its monopoly over the trade undermined in the late 18th century by Birmingham and other provincial rivals. The Birmingham Gunmakers' Company was granted the right to view and proof guns when Parliament passed the Gun Barrel Proof Act of 1813.

This pair of flintlock duelling pistols is thought to have been presented to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, by the East India Company, probably after the Battle of Waterloo. The pistols have been fitted with hair triggers and also feature decorative engraved silver plates on the butts. The Duke of Wellington challenged George William Finch-Hatton, the Earl of Winchelsea, to a duel at Battersea Fields in 1829. The Duke, who was Prime Minister at the time, borrowed a pair of percussion pistols from his doctor. He missed his opponent, who fired in the air before apologising to the Duke for insulting him.