Something is very wrong with this set, the box is dated 1841 which precedes the manufacture of the pistols by at least three decades.😒
Thought I'd share an interesting pair of Giffard's owned by a collector friend of mine...
http://www.horstheld.com/0-Giffard.html
Enjoy!
Something is very wrong with this set, the box is dated 1841 which precedes the manufacture of the pistols by at least three decades.😒
Vintage Airguns Gallery
..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.
I think the screws in front of the trigger guards are for fixing hand guards to protect the hands when this model was used for practicing duelling, similar to the guards on some swords such as scimitars, I expect the guards are missing, I have resealed many Giffard pistols and rifles, they are not as rare as is suggested, this model with the guards are very rare, I have worked on a couple of these, the target version of the rifles are also very rare and are beautiful guns.
Cheers, Lawrie.
By the way the valve system is very simple it involves just one seal located in the reservoir, and is very effective, with modern seals they will last another hundred years, I wish modern air guns were as simple.
In some old Giffard adverts they show the duelling versions being used with what looks like heavy leather floor length coats and mesh face masks for protection, from an opponent.
Last edited by Lawrie Amatruda; 12-08-2018 at 07:54 PM. Reason: Additional information.
Giffard pistol with hand guard fitted;
Vintage Airguns Gallery
..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.
I defer to Lawrie and his vast experience. The reference to protective clothing for duelling came as a surprise although I knew the German officer-class (I'm sure there's an appropriate multi-syllabic Teutonic word that I can't remember) wore helmets for fencing duels which only permitted damage to the cheeks so scarring was a badge of honour/status.
What a gorgeous pair of pistols, though! And what a shame about the price.
Thanks for posting them, Mick
When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns .
Tim sends this pic:
See also this YouTube video (thanks to Citizen K):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBF-I9jJSAI
It turns out duelling with wax projectiles was a short-lived sport of which Giffard tried to jump on the bandwagon...
Last edited by Garvin; 15-08-2018 at 10:47 AM.
Vintage Airguns Gallery
..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.
Duelling was (and is) common in the "Studentenverbindung"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studentenverbindung
The ones named "Corps" knew duelling as "Satisfaktion" to eaquilise any attack disregarding honour. Mostly with saber (sabre) and protected with helmets, but wounds were possible!
With pistols it was more known between "noble-men" until end of 19th century (in Germany an France).
Probably the 8mm wax-model (I don´t nkow any pistol in 8mm) could be used for that...
Last edited by aimless; 15-08-2018 at 03:59 PM. Reason: link
Don’t mess with the Studentenverbindung then.
Vintage Airguns Gallery
..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.