Pair of Flintlock Dueling Pistols of a member of the Tollemache family, with Case and Accessories
These presentation-quality silver-mounted dueling pistols rank among the most elaborately decorated and well-preserved firearms produced in London during the late eighteenth century. Made by John Manton (1752–1834), one of the preeminent London gunmakers of the period, the pistols unite his skill as a gunmaker with the talents of the silversmith Michael Barnett (1758–ca. 1823), who fashioned the pair's lavish mounts. Cast and chased in low relief, the Britannia silver furniture is among the most opulent found on any British firearm.
The set likely originally belonged to Lionel Tollemache, 5th Earl of Dysart (1734–99) or his younger brother Wilbraham Tollemache, 6th Earl of Dysart (1739–1821). The Tollemache family owned several major estates, including Helmingham Hall in Suffolk and Ham House in southwest London, one of the grandest Stuart houses in England famous since the seventeenth century for its collections of paintings and furniture, as well as its library and gardens.
The set likely originally belonged to Lionel Tollemache, 5th Earl of Dysart (1734–99) or his younger brother Wilbraham Tollemache, 6th Earl of Dysart (1739–1821). The Tollemache family owned several major estates, including Helmingham Hall in Suffolk and Ham House in southwest London, one of the grandest Stuart houses in England famous since the seventeenth century for its collections of paintings and furniture, as well as its library and gardens.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Flintlock Dueling Pistols of a member of the Tollemache family, with Case and Accessories
- Gunsmith: John Manton (British, 1752–1834)
- Silversmith: Michael Barnett (British, Workington, Cumberland 1758–1823 London)
- Date: 1790–93
- Geography: London
- Culture: British, London
- Medium: Wood (walnut, mahogany, rosewood), steel, gold, silver, copper alloy, baize, silk, bone, horn, leather, animal hair (horse), flint, lead
- Dimensions: each pistol: L. 15 7/16 in. (39.1 cm); L. of barrel 10 in. (25.4 cm); Cal. .56 in. (14.2 mm); Wt. of pistol (a) 2 lb. 10.6 oz. (1207.7 g); Wt. of pistol (b) 2 lb. 9.6 oz. (1179.3 g); case approx. 20 x 9 in. (50.8 x 22.9 cm); flask 4 1/2 x 2 1/8 in. (11.4 cm x 5.4 cm); cleaning rod L. 14 5/16 in. (36.3 cm); ramrod knob 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 in. (3.8 x 2.8 cm); wad cutter L. 4 1/2 (11.4 cm); bullet mold L. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm); brush L. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); screwdriver L. 4 5/16 (10.9 cm); pricker L. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm); balls (each) 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); flints (each) L. approx. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
- Classification: Firearms-Pistols-Flintlock
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of Irene Roosevelt Aitken, 2020
- Object Number: 2026.267.13a–l
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Silversmith Michael Barnett
hallmarked for 1798–99
Armorer Armor attributed to Richard Holden
Armorer Helmet cheek pieces and metal plates on shoulder straps made by Daniel Tachaux
ca. 1683 and later; buff coat, 17th–18th century
Gunsmith Durs Egg
Silversmith Michael Barnett
hallmarked for 1787–88
Goldsmith James Morisset
hallmarked for 1797–98
Gunsmith Wogdon & Barton
Gunsmith Robert Wogdon
Gunsmith John Barton
1801–3
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.