Monaco Pigeon Shoot

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-01-14

Overview

Elite sporting event held at Monte Carlo in the 1870s, attracting international aristocracy and wealthy sportsmen.

Diary References

1874

• January 14: Marie attends the first major competition ("premier grand concours") of the season. Special trains run from Nice. The event combines sport with high society gathering. Shooting takes place at the "Tir" (shooting ground) near the casino.

Details

• Required special tickets available at principal hotels or station
• Special trains from Nice for the events
• Attracted mix of aristocrats, wealthy merchants, and international elite
• Combined competitive shooting with social networking
• Ladies attended as spectators
• Winners:

- 1st: "M. Pooool" (Marie's nickname based on how he says "pull") - 2nd: Baron de Saint-Clair - 3rd: Prince de Chimay - Joe Norris disqualified after missing twice

Social Context

• Major society event on the Riviera calendar
• Opportunity for marriage market activities
• Display of wealth and status
• Marie critical of many participants as nouveau riche ("perruquiers travestis")

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-01-23

Event

Elite sporting event at Monte Carlo involving live pigeon shooting competitions.

Diary References

1874

• January 23: Final day of shooting season. M. Blanc hosts dinner for all shooters. Fireworks display with "1874 - Sir W Call" illuminated on lawn. Princess Souvoroff sits fearlessly near barrier despite shot pellets. Marie plans to host the shooters' dinner herself in three years.

1873

• Multiple references to attending shoots in Monaco

Social Context

• Major society event alongside races
• Entry fee of 20 francs considered expensive
• Elite participants and spectators
• "Poule de consolation" (consolation prize round)
• Formal dinners for participants
• Ladies watch from safe areas due to shot pellets
• Symbol of Marie's social ambitions