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LOT 3234
Cased Pair of Desirable Engraved John Manton & Son Rifled Dueling Style Percussion Pistols -A) John Manton & Son Pistol - Serial no. 11173, 55 cal., 9 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. The Mantons were easily among the finest gunmakers of London in the late 1700s and early 1800s and were particularly known for fine dueling pistols and sporting arms. John Manton partnered with his son George from 1815 until his own death in 1834. The serial number “11173” is on the bottom of the barrels, in the barrel channel of the stocks, and on the trigger guard tangs. In “The Mantons: Gunmakers” by Neal and Black, the closest John Manton serial number is 11176 which is a pair of dueling pistols owned by the Duke of Norfolk. 11179 are also dueling pistols with hair rifling. This pair’s Damascus barrels have distinct rifling. By the 1830s, dueling with pistols was on the decline in England, and many “dueling pistols” were actually used for target shooting and thus could have rifling. Any weapons could also be used in a duel if agreed upon, and rifled barrels were the norm in Continental Europe by this time. The barrels also have fixed blade front sights, “John Manton & Son Dover Street London” in script on top, and London proofs on the bottom. Fixed notch rear sights are on the standing breeches, and the breech plugs have platinum plugs. The locks are signed “JNO MANTON & SON/PATENT.” The triggers are the “concealed” non-adjustable single set variety. The breeches, locks, and furniture are engraved with a variety of coordinating floral, scroll, and border patterns. The stocks have horn forend caps, silver barrel key escutcheons, tear drop flats, silver wrist escutcheons, and nicely checkered wrists. They come in an English fitted hardwood case with a reproduction John Manton & Son trade label inside, a cleaning rod, tow, small powder flask, cap tin, key, bullet mold, and nipple wrench. CONDITION: Fine overall with distinct Damascus finish along the barrel, 90% plus bright restored vibrant case colors on the lock and furniture, minor marks and scratches, aged patina on the silver, small spots of insect damage on the horn caps, and distinct markings, engraving, and checkering on the refinished stock. Mechanically excellent. B) John Manton & Son Pistol - Serial no. 11173, 55 cal., 9 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. CONDITION: Fine overall with distinct Damascus finish along the barrel, 90% plus of the restored vibrant case colors, aged patina on the silver, general minor marks and scratches, and distinct markings, engraving, and checkering on the refinished stock. Mechanically excellent. The reworked case is fine with moderate storage wear on the interior and heavier age and storage related wear on the exterior. The accessories are fine and have minor wear. This is a very attractive pair of desirable pistols by one of London’s finest makers during the “Golden Age” of dueling pistols. Estimate: 7,000 - 9,500
LOT 3235
Cased Pair of William & John Rigby Sawhandle Percussion Dueling Pistols -A) William & John Rigby Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 6523, 28 bore/.54 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, checkered walnut stock. The included authentication certificate from Rigby indicates this pair is recorded as completed on April 6, 1829. They were listed as a pair of “best duelling pistols” weighing 2 lbs. 8 oz. and listed as in 32 bore with 9 inch barrels (length including the breech plug) and 14 1/2 inch length stocks. They are also noted as cased and as sold to a “J. Curtis.” These early percussion dueling pistols feature smoothbore, etched Damascus barrels with dovetailed blade front sights, and “Wm & Jn Rigby Dublin” signed on top. The breech plugs have pierced platinum plugs, and three gold bands. The standing breeches include dovetailed notch rear sights. The back action locks have “Wm & Jn Rigby” signed in banners. They are fired with single set triggers. The trigger guards are spurred. The forend caps, wedge escutcheons, and wrist escutcheons are silver. The pistols feature ornate floral and scroll engraving. The serial numbers are marked on the bottom of the barrels, breech plugs, and inside the forends. The half-length, “sawhandle” stocks have checkered wrists and flared pommels. There are period documents adhered inside the case lid under the lining. The writing is largely indecipherable. The pair comes in a hardwood case with a “40” marked ball mold. CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored with 98% plus finish, distinct Damascus patterns, bright gold and platinum, crisp engraving and markings, aged patina on the silver, and minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine as professionally restored and has crisp checkering, a tiny crack at the breech on the left, and minor edge wear. The set trigger needs adjustments, but the pistol functions otherwise. The relined case is fine and has mild age and storage related wear, including some cracks in the refinished lid. The mold is very good and has moderate pitting. B) William & John Rigby Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 6522, 28 bore/.54 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/blue/silver finish, checkered walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored with 98% plus finish throughout, crisp markings and engraving, distinct Damascus twist patterns, aged patina on the silver, bright gold and platinum, and minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine as professionally restored with crisp checkering, a tiny chip by the bolster/nose of the lock, and minor marks and scratches. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive cased set. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000