The downright dirty duelling pistols for cheaters with firearms and weapon expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on August 23, 2023
Duration: 11:59

Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries explores the history and design of duelling pistols, revealing that many 'duelling' features were simply good pistol design, and the term gained popularity later. He discusses how some pistols incorporated hidden rifling, like 'French rifling,' to provide an unfair accuracy advantage while appearing smooth-bore, contradicting duelling rules. The video highlights a specific cased set of Mortimer & Son percussion pistols from circa 1820-1822.

Quick Summary

Some antique duelling pistols featured 'French rifling,' a technique where the first inch of the muzzle was smooth-bore to hide internal rifling. This allowed shooters an unfair accuracy advantage, effectively cheating in duels where smooth-bore barrels were often mandated for fairness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Duelling Pistols & History
  2. 01:40The SUV Analogy: Fashion vs. Function
  3. 02:40Hidden Rifling & Cheating Tactics
  4. 05:15French Rifling Explained
  5. 10:10Mortimer & Son Pistol Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'French rifling' in antique firearms?

'French rifling' refers to a specific rifling technique where the first inch of the barrel near the muzzle is left smooth-bore. This design was used in some duelling pistols to conceal the internal rifling from an opponent's inspection, providing a hidden accuracy advantage.

Were duelling pistols always used for actual duels?

Not necessarily. Research suggests many firearms labeled 'duelling pistols' were simply well-made pistols, and the term gained popularity later. Some were purchased more as fashion statements or status symbols than for combat.

How did makers cheat with duelling pistols?

Makers sometimes incorporated very shallow, hidden rifling ('scratch' or 'secret' rifling) into barrels that appeared smooth-bore. This gave the shooter an unfair accuracy advantage during a duel, despite rules often forbidding rifled barrels for fairness.

What are the key features of the Mortimer & Son duelling pistols shown?

The Mortimer & Son pistols featured are percussion ignition models, likely made between 1818-1822. They showcase hidden 'French' rifling and distinctive engraved dolphin or sea monster hammers, with the address '89 FLEET ST LONDON' visible.

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