CASH IN THE ATTIC

EVERY week we give the low-down on the value of forgotten treasures that may be gathering dust at home.

IF YOUR honour was questioned in the 18th or early 19th Century you did not complain on social media – but sought ‘satisfaction’ with pistols at dawn.

The 1824 British Code of the Duel insisted only those of equal social standard could duel – and this tended to be aristocrats or wellheeled military officers. It means duelling pistols are among the best quality and valuable, and usually sell for thousands of pounds.

A pair of double-barrelled 19th Century duelling flintlock pistols made by renowned gunsmith John Manton, above, recently sold for £38,000. His brother Joseph – another highly collectable gunsmith – taught the legendary shotgun maker James Purdey. Other great makers include William Jover, John Fox Twigg and Swiss-born Durs Egg.

Collectors pay top prices if the pistols come in lined wooden carry cases, with powder flashes, ramrods and bullet moulds as part of a duelling kit. Provenance also adds value. A pair of Wogdon & Barton of London pistols once owned by the Duke of Bedford has sold for £24,000.

A firearms certificate is issued for black powder weapons, such as a flintlock duelling pistol. But you must be vetted by police and prove it is stored under lock and key somewhere safe.