Duelling Pistols and Mistletoe ...

London was famous for its excellent gunsmiths during the Georgian period. In fact, George Washington himself patronized Hawkins of London for his own firearms.

Joseph Manton was one of the best and most fashionable gunmakers of the time. Many a gentleman purchased his pistols before making use of his shooting gallery on Davis Street to hone their skills.

His fame came from guns that "were light, trim, well balanced, fast handling, and impeccably fit and finished. Stocks were slender and of fin...