John Manton
With 7 inch browned twist barrels signed ‘Manton London’ on the top rib and with no under rib, silver fore sight, broad gold breech lines and gold lined touch holes, finely engraved grooved case-hardened tang, signed locks each with moulded border, roller, blued steel spring and gold lined semi waterproof pan, figured walnut half stock, flat sided chequered butt, finely engraved iron mounts, trigger guard with large pineapple finial, bulbous ramrod tail pipe, silver wrist escutcheon engraved with the owners initials ‘G L’, original horn tipped ramrod, London proof marks; contained in it’s oak case with chippendale style carrying handle, lined in green baize, the maker’s trade label applied to the inside of the lid, with accessories including a fine ‘tortoiseshell’ leather covered three way powder flask and leather shot flask.
Literature: W. Keith Neal and D H L Back, The Mantons: Gunmakers pages 8-9, 61, plate 15 and dust jacket spine, D H L Back, The Mantons 1782-1878 p. 14, plate 5.
Provenance: W. Keith Neal Collection. Christies 9 November 2000 Lot 224.
Notes: This important pistol which survives in excellent condition is of great interest demonstrating transitional chequering and a simple rib on top of the barrels. The small butt, large trigger guard bow and short front trigger are to enable the pistol to be held with the first and second fingers on the two triggers.
The case, which appears not to have been in Keith Neal’s ownership has only recently been tracked down and united with the pistol to form a unique and highly desirable set.