Dueling pistol pictures for Rolfkt

[smart dog]

Hi Rolfkt,
Sorry this has taken so long but I have been out in the field radiocollaring deer and hunting down a brown bear with a dart gun to get a GPS collar that failed off her.  Below are some photos of one of a pair of dueling pistols I am building. I have just stained the stocks and as you can see there is no finish on the wood yet.  The triggerguards and other metal hardware still need some shaping, detailing, and then engraving. The locks need a little filing, polishing, engraving and then casehardening. The pistols are styled after those of Robert Wogden who was one of the greatest dueling pistol makers in London during the late 1700s.  They are stocked in black walnut that has been stained to simulate English walnut.  The barrels were made by Ed Rayl and they are swamped 50 cals 1 inch wide at the breech.  The triggerguards, butt caps, keys, escutcheons, and side bolt washers were hand made.  The ramrod is turned from rosewood and the rod tips were made from African springbuck horns.  They are coming alone pretty well and I have learned a lot about dueling pistols and Wogden. My big problem is that I am soooo sloooow and don't have much time to work on them.  Enjoy.

dave

[sydney]

Hi--They look very good-- there is a lot of work in a pair
       Please post more pictures as you continue
         Thanks  Sydney
     

[meshoot1]

Great pics.Thanks for the post.

[George F.]

Very nice work! I believe you posted earlier that the triggerguareds are sterling? Planning on putting wire on them? How much longer you think before they are done?

[smart dog]

Hi George,
The guards are steel and will be engraved. Most English duelers were mounted in steel but occasionally you find one with silver mounts.  I should be done with them in a month.  I have a lot of engraving to do and I still have to build the case and make the accessories.  I am trying to get it all done before Xmas because the pistols are a surprise for one of my brothers.  Thanks for the note and compliment.

dave

[Bill of the 45th]

Well Dave, I guess that's one way to solve sibling rivalry, give em dueling pistols

Bill

[B Shipman]

If you put wire inlay on it,I will hunt you down.  Nice styling, carving. Really nice. Where'd the lock come from.

[Michael]

Love the Wogdons!! One of my favorite duelling pistol makers. Looking forward to seeing the finished set in the case with accessories.

Michael

[James Rogers]

Can you describe your staining procedures to simulate English?
Nice work.

[Rolf]

Thanks Dave, beautiful work. I saved the pictures on my computer for future reference. Could I bother you for pictures of the butcap seen from underneath and from the rear?

Best regards

Rolfkt

[Tim Crosby]

 Wow! They are really neat. Looking forward to seeing the complete set.

Tim C.

[smart dog]

Thanks everyone for the comments and interest.  Rolfkt, I will post some pictures of the butt cap in a few days.  Bill, no worries about wire.  I think George had me confused with my evil other self, Dave "black".  As long as I stay Dave "white" there will be no wire touching those pistols.  Didn't Cody have a saying about hearing the voices?  Capt. Jas, black walnut often has a slight purplish brown color very different from English walnut.  I give the stock a wash in yellow water-based aniline dye (you could use any yellow stain if you don't like aniline dyes).  The yellow completely neutralizes the purple hue and gives the wood a warm yellow or orangy brown close to English walnut. I then may add a light reddish brown stain depending on the color of the wood.  I have had really good success with that method.  You will be able to judge for yourself when you see the finished pistols.

Thanks again guys

dave