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LOT 273
Documented Silver Mounted Engraved John Blanch Double Barrel Flintlock Shotgun
with Hallmarks for 1810 and Case - NSN, 16 gauge, 29 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/
casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. This gun by John Blanch features London hallmarks
including the “P” date code for 1810 and the maker’s mark “MB”. It is listed in the Arms & Armour Society
article “’M B ‘ The Gunmakers’ Silversmith: A Question of Attribution”
by Bernard Dickens with the mounts attributed to Michael Barnett
in 1810/1811. The browned Damascus barrels have a concave
rib with a small blade front sight, “FROM MANTON” signed on
top referencing Blanch’s work for John Manton, and the patent
breeches have sunken platinum lined “I•BLANCH/LONDON” maker’s
marks as well as platinum bands and platinum lined vents and
a burst pattern engraved on the rib. The standing breech has a
grooved rear sight with coordinating burst engraving and full-
coverage foliate engraving on the balance. The flat locks each have
“I • BLANCH” signed below the rainproof pan, a large frizzen spring
roller, a further burst design along with a pair of dogs and a bird
towards the tail and border engraving. The reinforced French cocks have foliate engraving. The mounts are silver
with stylized pineapple finials, a finely detailed scene of a pair of dogs pursuing a hare on the trigger guard
bow, a dog beneath a tree on the heel extension, a sunburst design at the heel over a scene of shot game and
foliate patterns on the butt. The stock has a checkered wrist, an oval cheekpiece, and a 14 1/4 inch length
of pull. Brass ramrod. The mahogany case was originally for a later Blanch percussion gun and has “108”
faintly on the lid, a Blanch trade label inside, green baize lining, shot and powder flasks, a shot snake,
an oiler, and rod attachments. A certificate of authenticity from F. Theodore Dexter is included, and
collection notes indicate the gun was acquired by Blank via his friend W. Keith Neal on April 4, 1960.
CONDITION: Fine with crisp engraving, 90% plus of the re-browned finish and distinct
twist patterns along the barrels, faint but clear rib marking, light aged patina
on the silver mounts, gray and brown patina on the balance, minor
pitting, refaced frizzens, and generally minor overall wear.
The re-oiled stock is good with crisp checkering,
small chips, repairs, and scattered light scratches
and dings. Mechanically fine. The case is very
good with age and storage related wear, a some
loss at the corners, an absent compartment lid,
and moth holes.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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