These c. 1798 John Manton pistols are listed by serial number on page 42 of "The Manton Supplement" by Neal and Back as converted to percussion (since converted back) and as featuring 10 inch octagon barrels (length if the breeches are included). There is one very similar to the pair in figure 20 in "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Back, and they have the same gold inlaid "- - -MANTON * LONDON - - -" barrel markings seen in figure 21 on the same page. They are also very similar in layout to the incredible pair of Manton dueling pistols, serial number 2837, sold in our May 2017 premier auction for $103,500. Pulling the barrel of pistol B revealed the serial number "2983" on the bottom of the barrel, the breech hook, and inside of the forend. They have smoothbore barrels, silver blade front sights, dovetailed V-notch rear sights, gold bands and liners on the patent breeches, floral engraving on the upper tangs, "-MANTON-" at the center of the locks which have sliding half-cock safeties as well as gold-lined semi-rainproof pans and friction reducing rollers, "concealed" single set triggers, pineapple style finials and spurs on the trigger guards, and robust stocks with smooth tendrils interrupting the diamond checkering on the wrists. The mahogany case contains a rod, red leather bound flask with multiple compartments, and "1" marked ball mold with sprue cutter.

Very fine as reconverted to flintlock with 90% plus restored brown and attractive Damascus patterns along the barrel, bright gold, flashes of case colors on the breech plug, bright niter blue on the upper tang, 75% plus old re-blue on the furniture, smooth gray on most of the lock, some very faint pitting, crisp engraving and markings, and general minor wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, minor chips and dents, slight cracks at the tip of the forend, and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The case has an old coating of applied varnish, and it and the accessories are fine and have mild overall wear from age and storage, section of chipping on the right rear corner of the lid, one absent latch, general scrapes and dings, broken flask spring, and mild pitting on the mold.

See "A."

Very fine as reconverted to flintlock with 90% plus restored brown finish and attractive Damascus patterns on the barrel, bright gold, strong niter blue on some of the small parts, traces of case colors, smooth gray on most of the lock, 75% old reblue on the furniture, crisp markings and engraving, and general mild wear. The stock is good and has some slivers absent or repaired on the forend, minor cracks at the lock screw, some scrapes and dings, smooth finish, and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically fine.