Pistol, percussion duelling pistol

Many of Georgian London's most exclusive gunmakers worked in the West End. From his shop in Piccadilly, John Manton sold high quality pistols and sporting guns to the royal family and other wealthy aristocratic clients. He opened his shop on Dover Street in 1781. He went into partnership with his son George around 1814 and his firm continued to trade until 1878.

This is one of a pair of duelling pistols by the Manton firm numbered 6387. The pistol has a half-stock as full-stocked pistols went out of fashion in the 1790s. The pistol has been converted from a flintlock ignition system to percussion. The inferior quality of the work suggests that this was done by another firm, possibly by an apprentice to save money. The lock is fitted with a safety catch. The pistol has a heavy octagonal barrel designed to improve its accuracy when firing.