Percussion (duelling?) pistol

[Jerry Bourne]

I recently purchased this pistol. It is supposedly English and supposedly a duelling pistol. There are no makers marks but it does have Birmingham proof marks. Does anyone out there have any idea about its country of origin or possibly the maker. Bore size 0.65" smooth, hook breech, in very good overall condition (other than damaged nipple), 9" Damascus steel barrel, walnut stock. Any ideas !!!

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Any ideas !!!

The adjective "duelling" is typical seller's hype. Just about any pistol that is not clearly martially marked is described as a "duelling" pistol. If there were as many duels as there were so-called duelling pistols, then the English would have exterminated themselves. And pistols for personal defence of the more affluent shooters were often made as pairs, so that one had a second chance against the baddies, so not even a pair is necessarily intended for duelling. Certainly not in the percussion era, by which time duelling had been outlawed in England. The straight line cut of the lockplate and the form of the grip look English enough to me. It appears to be a "self defence" (i.e. not "target") pistol that could have been carried by someone privately, or an officer anywhere.

I suggest that you remove the lock and look for markings on the inside. You will also find expert knowledge on this type of firearm here:
http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.c...s#.Ui9XRqxBuAI

[Jerry Bourne]

Thanks Patrick, I'll follow your advice and strip the pistol to look for marks inside and contact the website offered. Thanks once again!