Manufactured c. 1793, this pistol is regarded as one of the earliest pistols made by Joseph Manton who was better known for his sporting shotguns. Neal & Back illustrate and discuss this pistol in their book “The Mantons: Gunmakers” (1967 first edition, pp. 19-20, 225, plates 70-73) noting: “This pistol… is really as good or better than any pistol of his of a later date which we have examined.” It features an innovative single trigger mechanism, again quoting Neal & Back: “The locks are fired with a single trigger action of ingenious design, and different from his brother John’s who held a patent for it. In Joe Manton’s single trigger he employed a spring loaded rocker which worked at right angles to the trigger arm, and when the right hand barrel had been fired, flipped across to engage the left. If both locks were on half-cock, it would fire whichever one was cocked first, providing the other remained at half-cock, but if both locks were full-cocked, it fired first the right and then the left.” The pistol was further published in D.H.L. Back, “The Mantons 1782-1878”, p. 80, plates 81a-d. The browned Damascus twist barrels are fitted with a silver blade front sight on the narrow concave rib. The original horn tipped ramrod is housed beneath. The underside of each barrel is struck with London proof marks, and each barrel and breech are serial numbered. The casehardened recessed patent breeches each have a gold band, gold lined countersunk touch hole, and gold lined “JOSEPH/MANTON/PATENT” maker's stamp. The casehardened tang is engraved with trophies of arms and also incorporates the notch rear sight. The casehardened flat locks are each signed “JOSEPH MANTON/LONDON”, and they have molded borders, roller frizzens with blued springs, gold lined semi-rainproof priming pans, and safety catches. The finely engraved iron furniture includes the trigger guard which has a pineapple finial and is engraved with border lines and a trophy of arms on the bow. The finely figured walnut, half-length stock is devoid of checkering. Provenance: W. Keith Neal Collection, Christies, London October 25, 2001, lot 222

Fine with lightly aged original gold, strong original brown finish and case colors on the concealed areas of the barrel and breech plugs, light original case colors on the locks, traces of original blue in the protected areas of the trigger guard, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The stock is also fine and has attractive grain, smooth finish, minor dings and scratches, some slight flakes at the edges, and light overall handling and storage wear. The left lock requires a slight additional pull to the rear to release after the right lock is fired if both locks are brought to full cock together when checked by hand without actually letting the right lock "snap." Otherwise, the complex single trigger mechanism and the locks are mechanically excellent and function as described above. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fine provenanced example of a particularly innovative English double flintlock pistol by one of the most famous London gunmakers in history.