POTD: Hamilton-Burr Pistols – Replicas of America’s Most Famous Duel
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a cased pair of Uberti Hamilton-Burr flintlock dueling pistols manufactured for the United States Historical Society in 1976, one of 1,200 sets produced. These replicate the pistols used in the July 11, 1804 duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The original pistols were made by London gunmaker Wogdon and owned by Hamilton’s brother-in-law John Church. The duel took place in Weehawken, New Jersey. Burr’s shot mortally wounded Hamilton, who died the next day. Burr was charged with murder but never tried, though his political career was destroyed.
The originals were held by Chase Manhattan Bank, which had historical connections to Hamilton (he founded the Bank of New York). Uberti replicated the pistols based on detailed examination of the originals, capturing the .54 caliber smoothbore barrels, octagonal profile, and brass furniture. The 1976 manufacture date coincided with America’s Bicentennial celebrations. The United States Historical Society commissioned various commemorative firearms and historical replicas during this period. Production of 1,200 sets made these relatively available to collectors interested in American history.
Wogdon pistols were among the finest dueling pistols of the era. The smoothbore .54 caliber barrels provided adequate accuracy at dueling distances (typically 10-20 paces) while the lack of rifling supposedly made duels less deadly – though Hamilton’s death proved otherwise. The wooden display case, Certificate of Authenticity, and manual complete the commemorative set. These represent popular historical interest in the Hamilton-Burr duel, which remains one of early America’s most dramatic political confrontations.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Cased Matching Pair of Uberti/United States Historical Society Alexander Hamilton-Aaron Burr Flintlock Dueling Pistols.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5030/649/cased-united-states-historical-society-hamiltonburr-pistols. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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