The Duke of Wellington & Duelling.

Wellington presented duelling pistols

                                       Punch Magazine comment and cartoon from 1844.

The Duke of Wellington and Lord Wilchilsea met on Battersea Fields, London on 21st March 1829.
Both men exchanged fire to no effect. Refer: Duelling Pistols by John A. Atkinson. Page 137.

The above magazine clip drawing attention to the ongoing debate regarding the military supporting the right for a "Gentlemen" to "call out" an opponent. The above case perceived by many civilians to be the "murder" of Lieut- Colonel David Lynar Fawcett,  who was shot by his brother-in-law, Lieut-Alexander Thompson Munro following a duel fought in Camden Town, London on 1st July 1843.
Refer: Duelling Pistols by John A. Atkinson. Page 129.

The above presentation being an opportunity for the military to express their gratitude for the support
availed by the Duke of Wellington in retaining all the known participants, in this case, on the Army List and one suspects on full pay?

The Duke of Wellington being one the most famous Irishmen to have duelled.

The aforementioned publication by John A. Atkinson is a classic title and indispensable
reference work.

An earlier pair of duelling pistols presented to the Duke of Wellington can be seen in the link below.
http://www.peashooter85.com/post/75275497913/the-duke-of-wellingtons-dueling-pistols-pair-of

Our thanks for the above link and references.

Dave Stroud. R.A..