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Lot 834

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Pistol, dueling by James Eames, Dublin c.1780

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Dueling pistol by James Eames, Dublin, Ireland c.1780, lock plate signed Eames, floral engraving on lock, tang and trigger guard. Three touch marks on the barrel. Oval silver inlayed cartouche on the strap engraved with a family crest depicting a boar pierced by an arrow standing on a log. The rod has a horn tip.
Size: L. 17.25" Barrel L. 12" caliber .62
Weight: 1 pound 15.9 ounces
Condition: Pitting on barrel

The boar is the symbol of bravery. A champion among wild beasts, it encounters enemies with nobility and courage, and, thus, has come to signify the traits of bravery and perseverance. The boar is a fierce combatant when at bay and ceases fighting only with its life. Therefore it was given only to those considered fierce warriors. In Ireland the boar is one of the most popular charges. The meat of the boar was considered to be food of the Celtic Gods. The symbol of the boar was worn in battle as a charm against injury. Dueling pistols saw a lot of action during this era, with Blaze Away being a term sometimes used to start a duel. In his memories Sir Jonah Barrington, K.C., (1760-1834) argued that duelling was very common in Ireland “It is incredible what singular passion Irish gentlemen had for fighting each other…and a duel was considered a necessary piece of a young man’s education. The first two questions always asked when he proposed for a lady-wife were: ‘What family is he of? Did he ever blaze?’”
In the 1770’s “fire-eater” was a term used to describe gentlemen who had fire some reputation as duellists.

Pitting on barrel, otherwise very clean original condition.

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