Dueling Pistols- Help

[5card]

I bought this set of hand made Deuling Pistols. I know they are smooth bore they came with some balls and a ball mold so I have a good idea on the caliber. I have no idea who made them or really what to do with them, Here are a couple of pics http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409304599.jpg http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409304598.jpg http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409304597.jpg http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409304600.jpg http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409304596.jpg
Any helpful info would be welcomed!

 

[mooman76]

Take them out and shoot them. :haha: Nice looking, by the way.

 

[Don]

Being large bore smoothies they can be very versatile. You can shoot patched ball, bird shot or buck and ball out of those. You're a lucky man to have such a nice brace of pistols. Take them out and load about 30 grains of black powder under a patched ball and see how they shoot at about 30 feet from your target. Have fun.

Don

 

[Patocazador]

I have no idea who made them or really what to do with them,

Find someone being rude in a bar and slap him in the face with your glove. Then you'll have a use for them. :haha:

 

[MacRob46]

Are there any markings on the barrels or locks? If you remove the barrels there may be some underneath, hidden by the stock. They look more American style than European, which tended to have checkering on the stocks, a bit more decoration on the barrels, locks etc. but it is hard to tell since the photos are not clear. The stocks also appear to be of curly maple which was heavily used by American gun makers. Absent some markings it is going to be very difficult to determine where and when they were made and by whom.

 

[F.G. Ford]

Their mine! And I'd like them back :wink:
Nice guns! Just asking to be shot.
What caliber? What length of barrel!
Please tell us more?
Best regards
Fred

 

[Wes/Tex]

I have no idea who made them or really what to do with them,

Find someone being rude in a bar and slap him in the face with your glove. Then you'll have a use for them. :haha:

Wouldn't that be rich?!
"Smack"...thou art a varlet, I challenge thee to a duel!" :haha:
At which point some 350 pound, 6'-8" guy tosses you both out on your ear! :rotf:

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
They are almost certainly modern made with small Siler locks. They are not really dueling pistols just a brace of flintlock pistols. The styling could be American or Germanic, definitely not British or French. They look to be competently made and should be fun to shoot.

dave

 

[cynthialee]

well what defines a pair of 'Dueling Pistols' then?

 

[Musketeer]

Find someone being rude in a bar and slap him in the face with your glove. Then you'll have a use for them. :haha:

:rotf: :bow:

You might also insult him with such words as varlet, scoundrel, or blackguard.

 

[mjulihn]

Find someone being rude in a bar and slap him in the face with your glove. Then you'll have a use for them. :haha:

:rotf: :bow:

You might also insult him with such words as varlet, scoundrel, or blackguard.

For those whose 19th Century vocabulary may be limited, I offer the following...

"Varlet" - a dishonest or unprincipled man

"Scoundrel" - a dishonest or unscrupulous person; a rogue.

"Blackguard" - a man who behaves in a dishonorable or contemptible way.

 

[F.G. Ford]

Well today, you may start the dance with " Absent minded old geezer"
May not work though?.........he may not hear you :rotf: :rotf:
Fred

 

[mjulihn]

So many quotable lines from "The Princess Bride" on the subject of duels...
"To the pain!"

 

[ChrisPer]

well what defines a pair of 'Dueling Pistols' then?

I don't pretend to great knowledge, but understand it to be as follows.
Smoothbore (sometimes concealed rifling), cased as a pair, iron blackened or browned stock furniture to reduce reflection that might provide an aiming mark. Some may have concealed single set triggers. Normally high quality and closely matched, and very pointable. Target sights make them target pistols not duellers.

I have only handled one pair, and it was a shock. The pistols were far lighter than modern replicas, which are really made for target shooting. Very light, fast and pointable.

 

[5card]

Here are some better pics. I got the guns in this wood box it has dove tail sides and looks to be hand made. I am also sure the guns are hand made and are smooth bore. There is one engraving on the barrel and I have it pictured here in case someone has info on it. I also pictured the lock.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409329376.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409329372.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409329373.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409329374.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL167/13525491/24205638/409329375.jpg

 

[MacRob46]

Sorry but these photos are not any better as far as detail goes. Having looked at the pistols in the case, I have to agree they are modern made, with Siler locks. They appear well-made and it would be interesting to know who the contemporary maker is. But, you are going to have to provide clear photos of any markings if anyone is to help you.

 

[MacRob46]

One other suggestion. Take your photos in a location so you do not have to use a flash. If you have good lighting in a bathroom with mirrors then I have found that will help with photos. The flash washes out a lot of detail.

 

[mooman76]

Another thing that helps me is to stand back farther but zoom in as much as you can. Has better focus and less glare.

I also agree. Modern replicas. Very nice ones though.