John Manton was amongst the finest gunmakers in London during the late 1700s and early 1800s and was particularly known for fine dueling pistols and sporting arms. This pair of pistols dates to circa 1840. The serial number "11179" is on the bottom of the barrels, in the barrel channel of the stocks, on the breech hooks, on the inside of the locks, and on the trigger-guard tangs. Serial number 11179 is listed in W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, "The Mantons: Gunmakers", p. 113 as owned by "N. Blank, U.S.A." and identified as a "Pair of Single Barrel 38 Bore Duelling Pistols Cased" and as having "hair rifled" barrels. The "hair" or "scratch" rifling in the barrels is distinct but is only visible upon inspection with a light. The browned Damascus barrels have blued dovetailed blade and notch sights, are signed "John Manton & Son Dover Street London" in script on the top flat, and are struck with London proof marks on the underside. The casehardened breeches have pierced platinum plugs and feature scroll engraving which extends to the casehardened standing breeches and locks, and the blued mounts. The detented flat locks are signed "Jno. Manton & Son Patent" in script and have blued sliding safeties. The triggers are single set. The stocks have dark horn forearm caps, silver barrel key escutcheons, silver wrist escutcheons, and nicely checkered butts. In associated green baize lined fitted mahogany case, the lid with a John Manton & Son trade label, with accessories including bullet mold, red leather wrapped powder flask, and loading rod.

Exceptionally fine with 95% plus of the original brown finish, 80% original casehardened and blue finishes remaining, dark aged patina on the silver, and minimal light handling and storage marks. The stock is very fine with crisp checkering, a few slight dings and scratches, and a very slight hairline crack at the lock screw. Mechanically excellent. Associated case is very good with a slightly chipped and cracked lid, scattered external handling and storage marks, lock damaged, some age staining to fine original lining, both compartment lids cracked, and the otherwise very fine trade label lightly stained.

See "A." Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Exceptionally fine with 95% plus of the original finish, 85% original casehardened and blued finish remaining with flaking on the trigger-plate finial, some slight speckling on the barrel, edge wear on the upper right towards the muzzle, dark aged patina on the silver, and minimal light handling and storage marks. The stock is very fine with crisp checkering, some light scratches, and a ding by the standing breech. The trigger does not set, otherwise mechanically functions fine. John Manton's dueling pistols have been coveted by collectors for generations, and this stunning pair from the Norman R. Blank Collection has been hidden away for decades. Do not miss your opportunity now!