This attractive pistol has gilded floral and martial designs along the length of the barrels, on the lock, trigger guard, and sides of the buttcap along with golden relief designs on the ramrod entry pipe, trigger guard finial, buttcap, side plate, and initial plate on the upper wrist. The full length stock features heavy wire inlay along with silver floral inserts. It is equipped with a small blade front and notch rear sights. The lock plate is marked "BLANCH" under the pan and has a sliding safety at the rear. The barrel is marked "LONDON". English gunmaker John Blanch was born in 1784. He apprenticed under Jackson Mortimer (later his father-in-law and partner) and also worked under Joseph Manton while establishing himself as a talented gunsmith in his own right. He was a member of the Farriers Company and became a "Master" in 1834. All three of Blanch's sons worked with him for a time, but only his youngest stuck around. Together the father and son formed John Blanch & Son. Given that this piece is simply marked "BLANCH" it likely dates to the first half of the 19th century prior to his son joining the firm.