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LOT 269
Desirable Cased Pair of Gold Inlaid John
Manton Flintlock Dueling Pistols
-A) Manton Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 2877,
24 bore cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/
gold/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock.
This classic pair of English dueling pistols by
John Manton were manufactured c. 1798
based on the matching serial numbers found
on each pistol on the underside of the barrel
between the London proof marks, on the
breech hook, and on the forend under the
barrel. The Damascus barrels have silver blade
front sights, “- - -MANTON * LONDON- - -”
signed in gold inlay on the top flats, dovetailed
notch rear sights, and gold bands and vent
liners. The bores feature “scratch rifling”. The
casehardened standing breeches are engraved
with martial trophy and burst designs. The flat
beveled locks are signed “MANTON” and have
gold lined priming pans, frizzen rollers, and
sliding safeties that engage the frizzens. The
pistols are equipped with single set triggers
without visible adjustment screws as well
as blued mounts including spurred trigger
guards. The stocks have checkered bag shaped
wrists with flat panels, and each pistol has a
ramrod with a horn tip. The pair comes in an
associated mahogany case with green baize
lining, John Manton trade label, leather bound
combination flask, and rods. The key and
detached lock mechanism are also within the
case. The case lid features a pair of crests. The
pair was acquired by Norman R. Blank from
Robert Mandel on June 6, 1968.
CONDITION: Fine with light original brown
finish and Damascus patterns along the barrel
along with bright gold, strong original case
colors, 85% plus reblued finish on the mounts,
minor oxidation and pitting concentrated at
the breech, and general mild wear. The stock
is also fine and has numerous scratches and
dings, crisp checkering, and smooth oiled
finish. Mechanically fine. The case is good
with moderate age and storage related wear,
detached lockwork, and
replacement accessories.
B) Manton Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 2877,
24 bore cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/
gold/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock.
As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with light original brown
finish and Damascus patterns along the barrel
along with bright gold and mild pitting, some
original case colors, 75% reblued finish on the
mounts, minor oxidation, and general mild
wear. The stock is good and has a chip absent
from the tip on the left, numerous scratches
and dings, and crisp checkering.
Mechanically fine.
Provenance: Robert Mandel; The Norman R.
Blank Collection.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000