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. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

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.