 The resulting reputation for cowardice would often considerably affect the individual’s standing in society, perhaps even extending to their family also.The sword, with or without a companion weapon, was the customary duelling weapon until around 1800, by which time the custom of wearing the sword in civilian life had largely died out and the pistol had taken its pride of place in both duelling and self-defense.Nevertheless, sword duels continued until the extinction of duelling itself.