Lot Essay
This is the earliest recorded firearm by John Manton
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BY JOHN MANTON, LONDON, CIRCA 1782
Details
A 25-Bore Flintlock Holster Pistol
By John Manton, London, circa 1782
With slightly belled barrel engraved 'London' in a loop on the top flat of the breech, finely engraved tang, signed bevelled lock, figured walnut full stock (minor bruising), engraved brass mounts including spurred pommel and shaped escutcheon, single ramrod-pipe, and brass-capped ramrod, London proof marks
13½in. (34.3cm.)
By John Manton, London, circa 1782
With slightly belled barrel engraved 'London' in a loop on the top flat of the breech, finely engraved tang, signed bevelled lock, figured walnut full stock (minor bruising), engraved brass mounts including spurred pommel and shaped escutcheon, single ramrod-pipe, and brass-capped ramrod, London proof marks
13½in. (34.3cm.)
Provenance
The Earls of Lonsdale, Lowther Castle, Cumberland, house sale, Maple & Co. and Thomas Wyatt, F.V.A., 16 April 1947, part of lot 700 ('two and a half brace of pistols', £46 to Neal)
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, The Mantons: Gunmakers, pp. 7, 59, plates 11, 48
D.H.L. Back, The Mantons 1782-1878, p. 13, plates 1, 49
D.H.L. Back, The Mantons 1782-1878, p. 13, plates 1, 49
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.