Henry Nock Duelling Pistol
Henry Nock · Pistol · Discontinued · 1790
Also known as: H. Nock Duelling Pistol, Nock London Flintlock Duelling Pistol, Henry Nock Flintlock Pistol
Overview
The Henry Nock Duelling Pistol is a single-shot, muzzleloading flintlock pistol built by the celebrated London gunmaker Henry Nock around the turn of the 19th century. Chambered for a patched lead round ball of roughly .55 caliber ignited by black powder, it was among the finest dueling arms of the Georgian and Napoleonic era. Nock was appointed gunmaker to the King and supplied high-quality arms to the aristocracy and royalty; his duelling pistols were prized for their browned octagonal Damascus barrels, gold-filled 'H. NOCK / LONDON' cartouches, sliding safeties, roller frizzen springs, and finely checkered walnut half-stocks. Typically sold in fitted cased pairs with a powder flask, bullet mould and loading accessories, the pistols were carried by gentlemen who settled affairs of honor on the field.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 950 g (33.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 390 mm (15.35") |
| Barrel Length | 248 mm (9.76") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 180 m/s (591 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 262 J (193 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Barrel Material | Damascus Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .55 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 55 cal round ball, 13.97mm lead ball, 60 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzleloaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch, Sliding Safety
- Features: Octagonal Barrel, Hooked Breech, Roller Frizzen Spring, Waterproof Pan, Checkered Grip, Gold Filled Cartouche, Engraved Furniture, Spur Trigger Guard
Service history
Conflicts
- Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)
Production
Production years: c. 1790-1815
Made in small numbers as bespoke cased pairs. Henry Nock operated his London workshop from 1772 until his death in 1804; the business passed to his son-in-law and former apprentice James Wilkinson, becoming the forerunner of Wilkinson Sword.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Henry Nock
Discontinued: 1815
Notes
Nock's duelling pistols were normally supplied in fitted cased pairs. Bore diameters among surviving examples vary from roughly .55 to .65 caliber, and were commonly smoothbore per dueling etiquette of the period. Many original flintlock examples were later converted to percussion ignition. Antique originals are prized collector's items.
Background
Henry Nock (1741-1804) was appointed gunmaker to King George III and is also famed for inventing the Nock volley gun and a patented enclosed breech that improved ignition. His apprentice and son-in-law James Wilkinson inherited the firm, which eventually evolved into the famous Wilkinson Sword company.