Each of these guns is marked "J. BLANCH" near the top of its back action lock plates and "- - ->J. BLANCH, 29. GRACE CHURCH ST. LONDON. <- - -" on the solid rib. They have Damascus barrels, post/bead sights, swivel ramrods, sliding safeties, and nearly full length stocks with checkered grips and silver thumb pieces. Aside from the barrels, they feature English scrollwork and border engraving patterns. John Blanch apprenticed under the famous gunmaker Jackson Mortimer and married his master's daughter in 1809 and worked in partnership with him for a short while. He also worked with Joseph Manton early in his career. After running his own shop for several years, he moved to the address above in 1826 where he remained for the following 89 years. This style of pistol was particularly popular with officers stationed in India. They were designed to defend against attacks from tigers but were certainly also used in defense and attack against two legged foes as well. The pair comes in an English fitted hardwood case with a John Blanch lid label that notes he was "Gun Maker to his Majesty", bore rod, powder flask, bullet mold, container with spare nipples and caps, wads, shot cards, cleaning jag, card/wad punch, two led balls, and Westley Richards cap sack (empty).

Fair as repaired (hammers). There are visible Damascus patterns on the barrels. The locks have traces of the original case colors. Both hammers have been crudely repaired. 50% of the original blue remains on the trigger guard. The balance has gray and brown patina along with patches of oxidation. The stock is very good with the vast majority of the glossy finish remaining, crisp checkering, and minor dings and marks. The locks and triggers function fine, and the markings and patterns are mostly crisp. The case is fine with moderate storage wear including some chips, cracks, fading, and tears. The accessories are mostly very good.

As discussed in A.

Fair. The pistol has been cleaned and mostly displays a gray patina with traces of original finish and Damascus pattern. There is some mild spotting. The right hammer has been crudely repaired. The wedge escutcheons have some verdigris. The stock is very good with most of the glossy varnish, some minor marks and scratches and distinct checkering. The locks and triggers function fine.