"...all that idiotic business of the duel, played out without any proper civilized sanctions in the heat of a common brawl" (Ross Poldark, 3, iii, 3). Pictured: 18th c French dueling pistols, relief carved walnut, 1780-1810, with powder flask in brass-fitted walnut case with ivory knobs. Marked Dewarnotte A. Liege. [image: jdstevensstables.com]