John Twigg Duelling Pistol
John Twigg · Pistol · Discontinued · 1770
Also known as: Twigg London Duelling Pistol, Twigg Flintlock Pistol
Overview
The John Twigg Duelling Pistol is a single-shot, muzzleloading flintlock pistol built by the celebrated London gunmaker John Fox Twigg in the late 18th century. Typically supplied as a cased matched pair for the code of honour, it features a slightly swamped octagonal barrel signed 'Twigg London', a flat bevelled lock with a swan-neck cock and gold-lined touch hole, and a figured walnut full stock. Prized for its fine balance and precise pointing, Twigg's work set the pattern that later London makers such as John Manton and James Purdey refined into the classic English duelling pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 900 g (31.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 394 mm (15.51") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| 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 | 290 J (214 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .58 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 58 cal round ball, 14.7mm lead ball, 38-bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzleloaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Octagonal Barrel, Swan Neck Cock, Gold Touch Hole, Full Stock, Horn Tipped Ramrod, Silver Furniture
Production
Production years: c.1760-1792
Handmade in small numbers in Twigg's London workshop; individual pieces, often cased in matched pairs.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: John Fox Twigg
Discontinued: 1792
Notes
Twigg pistols were made in a range of bores; surviving duelling and holster examples commonly run from roughly 20-bore to 28-bore. Many were originally sold as cased pairs with accessories. Twigg also built rifled officers' pistols and fine sporting guns.
Background
John Fox Twigg (1732-1792) was among the foremost London gunmakers of the American Revolutionary era, training craftsmen including Durs Egg and John Manton. His duelling pistols embodied the code duello's demand for matched, fast-handling and accurate arms, and his innovations rippled through the entire London gun trade that followed.