Cased pairs of antique muzzle loading pistols are a staple of any antique gun collection, but cased pairs with multiple matching barrel sets are very scarce. This scarce and well-made set of early percussion pistols would have been suitable for target shooting, dueling, military service, and self-defense depending on the set of barrels equipped at the time. It is a product of the expansive Birmingham gun trade and does not have serial numbers. The general style and quality of the set is similar to genuine Manton pistols. The markings on the silver furniture dates the set to 1824 or shortly thereafter. The locks are signed "Manton" and have scroll and border engraving and sliding safeties. The barrels are Birmingham proofed. The pistols are fitted with 10 inch barrels with .44 caliber rifled bores and include an extra pair of 10 inch barrels with .44 caliber smooth bores and a pair of 7 1/8 inch barrels with .50 caliber rifled bores. Each of these lengths includes the breech plugs which are casehardened and have platinum bands and plugs. Half of the barrels have "1" on the bottom of the barrels and breech plugs, back of the breech hooks, and the other half have "2" in the same locations. Gun "A" has a "2" next to the breech hook slot, and "B" has a "1." The short barrels are inscribed "London" on top in ornate script, and each of the barrels has scroll engraving at the muzzle and breech and dovetailed silver blade front sights. The casehardened upper tangs have notch rear sights and floral engraving. The ramrod entry pipes and trigger guards are blued and also have floral and scroll engraving. The pistols are equipped with adjustable single set triggers. The forend caps, wedge escutcheons, wrist escutcheons, and attractive lion head pommel caps are all silver. The latter have "F&J" maker marks (likely Freeth & Jennings) and Birmingham hallmarks for 1824 (script "A"). The set comes in a fitted hardwood case with a reproduction Joseph Manton trade label inside the lid, several rods, a powder flask, mallet, two ball molds, a nipple wrench, and some lead balls.

Very fine with 85% plus original brown and blue finish, strong original case colors, dark aged patina on the silver, minimal minor spotting, and some minor marks and scratches. The stock is likewise very fine and has crisp checkering, smooth finish, and some very minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The additional barrels are also very fine and on average retain 85% plus original brown finish and strong case colors on the breech plugs and exhibit minor storage wear. The relined, repatitioned case is good and has some cracks and moderate wear. The mallet head is cracked and chipped. The other accessories are generally fine or better and have some age and storage related wear.

See "A."

Very fine with 75% plus original brown, 85% original blue finish, strong original case colors, dark natural aged patina on the silver, slight spotting on the barrel, and some minor marks and scratches. The stock is very fine aside from a small chip on the left edge at the breech and has crisp checkering, smooth finish, and minimal handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and scarce set of English percussion pistols complete with rare additional pairs of barrels which would have made them especially versatile for a 19th century gentleman.