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LOT 1306
Very Fine Documented Cased Pair of Engraved John Manton & Son Rifled Half-Stock Flintlock Dueling Pistols -A) Manton Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 6126, 40 Bore cal., 9 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. Serial number 6126 is listed in W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, “The Mantons: Gunmakers”, p. 92 as a “Pair of Single Barrel 48 Bore Dueling Pistols Cased” dating from 1816 and noted as owned by “N. Blank, U.S.A.” This pair was exhibited at the NRA in 2004. The Damascus barrels are rifled and fitted with blade front sights and inscribed “---DOVER STREET---” on the top flat. The casehardened recessed patent breeches each have a platinum band and vent liner and platinum-lined “MANTON/& SON/LONDON” maker’s mark. The casehardened standing breeches each incorporate the blued notch rear sight and have foliate engraving. The casehardened flat lock plates are each signed “John Manton & Son” in script and have a rainproof priming-pan, large frizzen spring roller, blued sliding half-cock safety, and engraved sunburst and foliate motifs. The pistols each have blued mounts engraved with mainly foliate patterns, including stylized pineapple motifs on the trigger-plate finials. The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver. The half-stocks each have a dark horn forearm cap and checkered bag-shaped butt. The serial numbers are marked on the trigger-guard bows among the engraving and are struck on the underside of the barrels and breech hooks. There are no proof marks. In fitted mahogany case with green baize lining, John Manton & Son trade label inside, matching numbered ball mold also marked “46”, red leather wrapped two-way powder flask, and loading/cleaning rod. This pair was purchased from W. Keith Neal in February 1963 by Norman R. Blank. CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus old original brown twist finish, 60% faded original casehardened finish on the lock, 85% original case colors on the patent breech and standing breech, bright platinum, aged patina on the silver, 85% original blued finish on the trigger guard and mounts, some faint oxidation with a patch of deeper pitting at the breech, and crisp engraving and markings. The stock
is also very fine and has crisp checkering, light scratches and dings, and minor handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. The refinished case is fine with external storage scratches, some wear and staining to the otherwise fine lining, and exceptional original gunmaker label. Flask and mold are fair.