This pair of pistols has no visible serial numbers, but the locks are very similar to the example in plate 102 of "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back from a single barrel sporting gun c. 1799. The browned, smoothbore, Damascus barrels and the flat, casehardened locks are signed "JOSEPH MANTON. LONDON." Both also have floral borders at the breech ends and outer edges respectively. The barrels also have brass blade front sights and gold vent liners, and the standing breeches have fixed notch rear sights as well as floral and martial engraving. The locks also have semi-waterproof pans, frizzen spring rollers, burst pattern engraving behind the pans, and floral engraving below the sliding safeties. The blued trigger guard has a pineapple style finial and floral and martial engraving on the bow with an unclear marking in the central ribbon. They pistols have plain triggers that are nicely tuned. The full-length walnut stocks have checkered wrists and blank silver escutcheons. The relined case also contains a brass powder flask, starter, "WD" and "No 16" marked ball mold, screwdriver, and several lead balls.

Fine with 85% plus of the period refurbished brown, distinct twist patterns, and bright gold liner on the barrel; traces of case colors and otherwise a smoky gray patina on the lock, mostly gray patina on the furniture along with some faint blue finish, and mild overall wear including some faint pitting and oxidation. The re-oiled stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, some surface chipping at the tail of the left flat, and scattered small dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The relined case is very good with mild exterior storage wear including some glued cracks.

See "A." Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Fine with 85% plus of the period refurbished brown, distinct twist patterns, and bright gold vent on the barrel, light case colors, some blue on the trigger guard, mostly gray and brown patina on the balance, and mild wear including some minor oxidation and pitting. Aside from a crack in the forend on the left at the front wedge, the re-oiled stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine.