John Manton was amongst the finest gunmakers in London during the late 1700s and early 1800s and was particularly known for fine dueling pistols and sporting arms. This pair of pistols dates to circa 1840. The serial number "11179" is on the bottom of the barrels, in the barrel channel of the stocks, on the breech hooks, on the inside of the locks, and on the trigger-guard tangs. Serial number 11179 is listed in W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, "The Mantons: Gunmakers", p. 113 as owned by "N. Blank, U.S.A." and identified as a "Pair of Single Barrel 38 Bore Duelling Pistols Cased" and as having "hair rifled" barrels. The "hair" or "scratch" rifling in the barrels is distinct but is only visible upon inspection with a light. The browned Damascus barrels have blued dovetailed blade and notch sights, are signed "John Manton & Son Dover Street London" in script on the top flat, and are struck with London proof marks on the underside. The casehardened breeches have pierced platinum plugs and feature scroll engraving which extends to the casehardened standing breeches and locks, and the blued mounts. The detented flat locks are signed "Jno. Manton & Son Patent" in script and have blued sliding safeties. The triggers are single set. The stocks have dark horn forearm caps, silver barrel key escutcheons, silver wrist escutcheons, and nicely checkered butts. In associated green baize lined fitted mahogany case, the lid with a John Manton & Son trade label, with accessories including bullet mold, red leather wrapped powder flask, and loading rod.

See "A." Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection