The Mantons were easily among the finest gunmakers of London in the late 1700s and early 1800s and were particularly known for fine dueling pistols and sporting arms. John Manton partnered with his son George from 1815 until his own death in 1834. The serial number "11173" is on the bottom of the barrels, in the barrel channel of the stocks, and on the trigger guard tangs. In "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Black, the closest John Manton serial number is 11176 which is a pair of dueling pistols owned by the Duke of Norfolk. 11179 are also dueling pistols with hair rifling. This pair's Damascus barrels have distinct rifling. By the 1830s, dueling with pistols was on the decline in England, and many "dueling pistols" were actually used for target shooting and thus could have rifling. Any weapons could also be used in a duel if agreed upon, and rifled barrels were the norm in Continental Europe by this time. The barrels also have fixed blade front sights, "John Manton & Son Dover Street London" in script on top, and London proofs on the bottom. Fixed notch rear sights are on the standing breeches, and the breech plugs have platinum plugs. The locks are signed "JNO MANTON & SON/PATENT." The triggers are the "concealed" non-adjustable single set variety. The breeches, locks, and furniture are engraved with a variety of coordinating floral, scroll, and border patterns. The stocks have horn forend caps, silver barrel key escutcheons, tear drop flats, silver wrist escutcheons, and nicely checkered wrists. They come in an English fitted hardwood case with a reproduction John Manton & Son trade label inside, a cleaning rod, tow, small powder flask, cap tin, key, bullet mold, and nipple wrench.

Fine with distinct Damascus finish along the barrel, 90% plus bright restored case colors on the lock and furniture, minor marks and scratches, aged patina on the silver, small spots of insect damage on the horn caps, and distinct marking, engraving, and checkering on the refinished stock. Mechanically excellent.

As described in "A".

Fine with distinct Damascus finish along the barrel, 90% plus of the restored vibrant case colors, aged patina on the silver, general minor marks and scratches, and distinct marking, engraving, and checkering on the refinished stock. Mechanically excellent. The reworked case is fine with moderate storage wear on the interior and heavier age and storage related wear on the exterior.. The accessories are fine and have minor wear. This is a very attractive pair of pistols by one of London's finest makers during the "Golden Age" of dueling pistols.