One of a pair of duelling Pistols made by Wilson

Key details

Object number: 3.8557.3b
Date: 1780 to 1790
On display: Yes
Maker: Wilson

Description

One of a pair of duelling Pistols made by Wilson, with escutcheons of skull and crossbones design inlaid, pineapple design trigger guard with the initials 'WM' engraved. Given by Robert Burns to his physician Dr. William Maxwell.

These duelling pistols belonged to the Poet and were given to his physician Dr. William Maxwell (1760-1834) while Burns was on his deathbed in July 1796. The Poet's widow Jean Armour Burns named her last child Maxwell, who was born on the day of her husband's funeral, after Dr. Maxwell.

Object information

Acquisition

December 1977

Material

Metal
Wood

Measurements

Depth: 5.2(cm)
Height: 14.5(cm)
Width: 39(cm)

Themes

Burns The Man
Relationships
Friendship