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LOT 1337
Engraved Pair of John Manton & Son
Side by Side Rifled Percussion Pistols
-A) J. Manton & Son “Howdah” Pistol -
Serial no. 12359, 58 cal., 7 1/2 inch solid rib
bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. These pistols fall within the serial number range for 1855-1869 and were likely manufactured c. 1861 based on the estimated yearly production in “The Manton Supplement” by Neal and Back. They
have rifled Damascus barrels with bead style blade front sights, “John Manton & Son Dover Street London” signed on the flat ribs followed by flat folding two-leaf rear sights, engraving on the rib on the breech plugs which have platinum plugs on the sides, and London proofs, “J.M” and the serial numbers on the undersides. The serial numbers are also marked under the barrels on the forends
and on the trigger guard tangs. The locks
are signed “JOHN MANTON & SON” and have
sliding safeties. The standing breech, locks, and
furniture have fine engraving consisting mainly
of scroll patterns. Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted
below the barrels. The “sawhandle” stocks have horn
forend tips and multi-point checkering on the wrists. CONDITION: Very good with most of the possibly
period refurbished brown finish remaining on the
barrels, softened rib signature, strong niter blue
on the apparently replacement sights, traces
of case colors, mostly gray and brown patina
on the locks and furniture, and some minor
oxidation. The stock is also very good and has
crisp checkering, light marks and scratches,
and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine aside
from the safeties.
B) J. Manton & Son “Howdah” Pistol -
Serial no. 12359, 58 cal., 7 1/2 inch solid rib
bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very
good with most of the
refurbished brown finish
remaining on the barrels,
lightly softened rib
signature, bright niter blue
on the likely replacement
sights, traces of case colors,
mostly gray and brown
patina on the balance,
and minor oxidation. The
stock is also very good and
has crisp checkering, light
scratches, smooth finish,
and minor edge wear.
Mechanically fine.
Provenance:
The Richard P. Mellon
Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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