Pistols at Dawn

A fine pair of flintlock duelling pistols by the master makers Wogdon and Barton of London, are coming up for auction in the Militaria & Ethnographica Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 5^th October with an estimate of £14,000 – 18,000 plus buyer’s premium.

Robert Wogden was one of the preeminent gunsmiths of his era. Known for his reliable, precision pistols, the name Wogdon became synonymous with duelling; indeed duels were sometimes even referred to as ‘a Wogdon Affair’. Wogdon (1737-1813) was apprenticed to Irish gunsmith Edward Newton in Grantham before moving to London in 1764. His pistols were prized by the aristocracy, who appreciated the exceptional workmanship, good balance and reliability of his pistols. Accuracy was of prime importance, too, and the inclusion of a ‘hair’ or ‘set’ trigger for a quicker reaction was key.

In 1794 Wogdon went into partnership with John Barton, and the pair continued to produce fine pistols together and even supplied the infamous Bow Street Runners for two years. Wogdon retired in 1803.

The present pair date from the years of partnership between Wogdon and Barton (both names are signed on the guns). The .28 bore pistols are cased in the original mahogany case, with fitted interior and accessories including a copper pistol flask, a steel bullet mould and leather flint bag.

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