US Historical Society Hamilton-Burr Dueling Pistol Set Mfd 1981 ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $2925
LSB#: 220916LS001 & 220916LS002
Make: Uberti for the US Historical Society
Model: Hamilton-Burr Dueling Pistol Set
Serial#: 729A & 729B
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .54 Caliber
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzle-Loaded Pistols
Markings: The pistols have identical markings except for the serial numbers. The lock-plate is marked “Wogdon” in cursive. The right side of the barrel features the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked “Wogdon” in cursive and “LONDON”. The top tang and screwheads are hand engraved to replicate the original pistol’s appearance.
Barrel Length: Approximately 9.5”, Octagonal
Sights/ Optics: The pistols have identical sights. The front sight is a brass blade dovetailed to the muzzle end of the barrel.The rear sight is a square notch fixed to the top-tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are identical on the two pistols. The stock is two-pieces featuring a solid brass forend with a ferrule and slot for the included ramrod, a lock-plate and checkered wood pistol grip.
The stock on 729A has some light patches of tarnish and oxidation on the brass forend and some light handling marks. The checkering remains sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-Fine condition.
The stock of 729B has some light handling marks and some light spots of tarnish and oxidation on the brass forend. The checkering remains sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Browned Barrel, Brass Forend, Silver Lock-Plate and Blue Trigger Guard
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition:
729A: The bore is semi-bright with scattered patches of light erosion.
729B: The bore is semi-bright with scattered patches of light erosion.
Overall Condition:
729A: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some scuffs, nicks and handling marks on the pistol’s metal surfaces. Notably, there is light wear along the leading edges. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.
729B: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The pistol has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is light wear along the leading edges. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly on each pistol. There is a set-trigger mechanism in each pistol which is activated by pushing the trigger forward slightly, with the pistol cocked. There will be a slight click when it is set. We did not fire either pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The set of pistols come with their original display case with blue velvet lining, a pair of white gloves, a fabric cover for the case, a set of keys, a cleaning rag and an AP article about the duel.
Our Assessment: This US Historical Society Alexander Hamilton-Aaron Burr Dueling Pistol set is a pair of .54 caliber flintlock muzzle-loaded pistols which were manufactured by Uberti. The set pays homage to one of the most consequential duels in American history: when Alexander Hamilton squared off against Aaron Burr. Alexander Hamilton was one of the most famous Founding Fathers of the United States but he was a controversial figure even in his day. Hamilton was an outspoken Federalist who sought a more centralized government model for the newly formed United States and he laid the foundations for America’s often dreaded modern financial institutions. The greatest political challenge to Hamilton’s Federalist Party were the Anti-Fedarlists who wished to form a more decentralized nation with greater power held locally by State Governments. In the election of 1800, the Federalists suffered a set-back when Thomas Jefferson was elected President with Aaron Burr assuming the Vice Presidency. By 1804, as Jefferson’s first term was nearing its end, Burr ran for Governor of New York to the dismay of Hamilton who personally loathed him. Burr lost the election and was convinced that Hamilton had attacked his honor, thus Burr demanded an apology. After failed attempts at reconciliation a duel was agreed upon by the two men.
They met for their fateful duel on July 11th, 1804 and to put it bluntly, Burr won. According to the US Historical Society Hamilton may have lost because the construction of his pistol was unique and he did not quite understand how to use it. Although Burr had won the duel he won little popularity for killing Hamilton and lived the rest of his life in relative obscurity, his political career had been devastated. Hamilton’s death also resulted in the collapse of the Federalist Party. Both men remain controversial figures even today, but the duel between them was certainly one of the most important events in American history. These pistol’s pay tribute to that fateful meeting in 1804 and can now be yours. This is a wonderful set of beautifully crafted pistols that you do not want to miss out on!
