Original Cased Pair of Irish Flintlock Dueling Pistols made by Farrell McDermott of Dublin circa 1790 – 1815 Original Items

Original Items: One of a Kind Set. This is a lovely cased pair of late 18th – early 19th century flintlock dueling pistols by famous the famous Irish gunmaker Farrell McDermott of Dublin. He worked from two locations, 35 Mary’s Abbey (1796-1827) and #1 Abbey Street (1811-1827), which are several blocks apart in Dublin. McDermott was one of the most prolific manufacturers of dueling pistols of the 18th and early 19th centuries, and this is a great set, complete with a lovely case.

They are fitted with 10 inch twisted steel octagonal barrels, together with lightly engraved iron lock plates, each marked M” DERMOTT. Both feature gold lined powder pans along with gold inlay around the breech end of the barrels. The nose caps, barrel wedge escutcheons and butt caps are of silver, while the engraved large trigger guards with external finger hooks are made of iron. These allowed a much firmer grip and steady aim.

The fine walnut half stocks have lovely checkering around the grip area, which is well retained. Both locks fitted with water proof pans and rollers on the frizzen spring, with French style flintlock hammers. They are also a very unique single set trigger design. While the standard set trigger would have a second trigger, these work by first pulling the hammer back to half cock. Then the triggers are pushed forward until they click, before moving the hammer to full cock. The triggers are definitely “hair” triggers and go off with only a light touch. Definitely an interesting system that we have not seen before!

Both pistols measure 15 1/4 inches in overall length, and fit very nicely into the custom made mahogany wood case, which measures 18 1/2″ x 8 3/4″ x 3″. The case is lined with green baize, which is retained quite nicely. There are a few lead balls as well as part of a cleaning worm, but we are not sure if it fits the cleaning rods on these pistols. The case also has two lidded compartments for spare flints and lead balls.

The pistols themselves are really quite nice, and fully functional, with locks that hold correctly at half cock, and fire at full. The stocks are solid, and we do not see any signs of major repairs. Both pistols still retain their original horn-tipped wooden ramrods, though the cleaning attachments on the ends are either broken or missing. Please consult the high resolution photographs for further condition details.

A great totally honest Irish dueling pistol set from the Napoleonic Era, ready to cherish and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790-1815
Caliber: 0.55″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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