Ernst Blancke was active in Naumburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, in the mid-19th century. The pistols are signed "E. BLANCKE IN NAUMBURG a/s" on the barrels and locks with the signature split between the "A" and "B" locks just behind the hammers. The etched Damascus barrels are rifled and have dovetailed blade front sights and casehardened patent breeches with scroll and border engraving. The standing breeches have screw adjustable notch rear sights. The adjustable sights suggest these pistols were made for target shooting rather than dueling although they certainly could have been selected for use as dueling pistols. The locks and most of the furniture are casehardened and feature scroll engraving. The locks have rotating hammer stall safeties. The locks are fired using adjustable single set triggers. The trigger guards have finger spurs. The stocks have raised relief shell carving at the forend tips, relief scroll carving bordering the checkering on the wrists, and flared pommels with decorative molding. There are gold escutcheons behind the upper tangs with three knives, bayonets, or similar edged weapons. The pair come in a fitted hardwood case with loading and cleaning rods (one with a removable measure), a conical bullet mold, some patches, an oiler, a combination turnscrew and nipple wrench, flat powder horn, spare nipples, key, measure, sight key, bullets, and cap container.

Very fine with distinct etched Damascus patterns and a mix of bright and dark gray along the barrel, 85% of the bright original case colors, aged patina on the wedge escutcheons, bright gold escutcheon, and minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering and carving, a thin crack along the edge of the forend on the left, and some minor scratches and dings mainly by the lock screw. The set trigger needs some adjustments; otherwise, mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good and have mostly minor age and storage related wear. There is one moderate dent on the left side of the case base, and the lining has some fading, staining, and contact wear.

See "A."

Very fine. The barrel retains distinct etched Damascus patterns with contrasting bright and dark gray tones. 80% of the original bright case colors remain. There is some minor oxidation on the front of the lock and bolster. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving and checkering and minimal minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent.