Serial number 2127 is listed in W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, "The Mantons: Gunmakers", p. 68 and is noted as a "Pair of Single Barrel 36 Bore Duelling Pistols" dating from 1793 and noted as owned by "N. Blank, U.S.A". Neal and Back further describe the pistols as "The butts have flat sides and are chequered all over. Hair triggers are fitted, and the words on the barrels are in gold. Both the touch-holes and the flash-pans are gold-lined, and the hammers are fitted with rollers to run over ridges on the feather springs. The barrels are hair rifled." This pair was exhibited at the NRA in 2004. The Damascus barrels have faint "hair" or "scratch" rifling designed to give the pistols greater accuracy without being easily detected, silver blade front sights, dovetailed notch rear sights, "---MANTON-LONDON---" in gold inlay on the top flats, a gold band at each breech, gold vent liners, and the serial number and London proof marks struck on the undersides. The serial number is also struck inside the forearms and on the breech hooks. The locks have stepped tails, sliding safeties, "-MANTON-" signed at the centers, rollers on the frizzens, and gold-lined priming-pans. The mounts are blued steel and feature foliate and martial trophy engraving and stylized pineapple finials. The silver wrist escutcheons have a rampant lion crest. The pistols are equipped with single set triggers and are fitted with walnut full stocks with checkered slab-sided butts and later wood ramrods with dark horn tips. In associated relined and refitted mahogany case, the lid with reproduction John Manton & Son trade label, with some accessories. Sold at Christie’s on 8 December 1959, almost certainly to W. Keith Neal who subsequently sold the pair to Norman R. Blank.

Fine with distinct markings and engraving, bright gold, much of the period rebrowned finish mixed with dark brown patina and Damascus patterns along the barrel, pitted overall, chipped top of frizzen, light original case colors and dark gray patina on the lock, 30% original blue finish remaining on the mounts, dark aged patina on the silver, and minor overall wear. The stock is good with a split and repair on the right side of the forearm, numerous light dings and scratches, and crisp checkering. The safety is broken, but the pistol is otherwise mechanically fine. The case is good and has mild age and storage related wear including some mothing and staining of the lining and a crack across the lid.

See "A." Provenance: The W. Keith Neal Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very good with distinct markings and engraving, bright gold, mix of period rebrowned finish and dark aged patina long the barrel, pitted overall, faded original case colors and gray patina on the lock, chip at the top of the frizzen, 50% original blue finish on the mounts, dark aged patina on the silver, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has crisp checkering and numerous mild scratches and dings, repaired beneath lock. Mechanically fine. A classic cased pair of late 18th century English dueling pistols by innovative London gunmaker John Manton.