The case lid plaque has "H. R. Shelton, Esq./BENGAL INFANTRY." Lieutenant Colonel Henry Richard Shelton was a British officer from 1839 to 1868 in India. He was given the honorary title of colonel in the Bengal Infantry in retirement. The Bengal Infantry was the military force of the Bengal Presidency, the largest British division in India. Joseph Manton (1766-1835) was one of the most talented gunmakers of his time. This pair of pistols is very similar to many of his dueling pistol sets. The main changes on Manton's pistols over the years are generally minor and related to gradual improvements in the lock mechanisms. Among his more famous workmen were James Purdey, William Greener, and Charles Lancaster. The latter manufactured at least the barrels of this pair as demonstrated by the "CL" stamps on the bottom of the barrels. The two pistols in this set have matching English engraving, fairly heavy Damascus barrels with small blade front sights and light rifling, "JOSEPH/MANTON/PATENT" and a crown in a hallmark on the breech plugs along with fixed rear sights, platinum breech plug bands and blow out plug, "JOSEPH MANTON/LONDON" on the locks, silver wedge escutcheons and thumb plates, blued lower furniture, and checkered walnut stocks with horn forend caps. They are numbered "6174" on the bottom of the barrels, bottom of the breech plugs, and inside the stock inlet (faint but almost certainly matching on gun B). They come in a hardwood case with green baize lined interior, bore rods, containers, red leather wrapped powder flask, screwdriver, and cap tin. A very similar pair of pistols with tube locks are pictured as figure 80 in "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Back. The powder flask pictured appears very similar as well. The locks are very similar in form to the "c. 1828" early cap locks pictured as figures 99 and 110.

Very good. The barrels have light oxidation and visible twist patterns. There are traces of original case colors. 50% of the original blue finish remains on the trigger guard. There is gray and brown patina where the finish has faded. The silver has an aged patina. The wood is fine with crisp checkering, a repaired sliver ahead of the lock, light scratches, and some slight surface chipping on the horn. Mechanically excellent, and the markings are crisp throughout. The case is fair with the lid detached from the base at the rear panel. The relined interior has mild fading, some minor compression marks, and small stains. The accessories are very good overall.

See A.

Very good. The barrel retains distinct twist patterns and has light spotting. There are some rich patches of original case colors on the breech plug along with some minor pitting. The lock has subtle traces of original case colors. 40% of the original blue remains on the trigger guard. The faded areas throughout display mostly gray patina. There is some slight oxidation on the cap. The silver has aged patina. The stock is fine with crisp checkering, a crack in the burl under the lock, small hairline crack in the forend cap, and light scratches. Mechanically excellent, and the visible markings are crisp throughout.