This pair dates to early 1798 based on the listings in "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Back, and the basic design other than the conversion of the locks is pretty similar to the pair in figure 20 of their book from around late 1797, and the barrel markings match figure 21 on the same page. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have dovetailed silver blade front sights, platinum sight lines on the dovetailed notch rear sights, "- - -MANTON * LONDON - - -" on the top flats in gold inlay, and London proofs flanking "2872" on the bottom flats. The locks are signed "-MANTON-" and were expertly converted, including the deactivation and filling of the half-cock safety. They may have been converted by the Manton shop. The spurred trigger guards and upper tangs have martial and floral pattern engraving. The lock screws are engraved and have plain washers rather than side plates. The full length stocks have horn caps, two wedges each, silver wrist escutcheons, checkered wrists, and scroll engraved iron caps. The left side of the wrist of gun "A" and bottom between the lock and trigger guard has "528" lightly hand marked, and the same is repeated on the left stock flat of gun "B." They come in a relined hardwood case with a modern reproduction John Manton & Son trade label, cap tins, three-way combination powder flask, oiler, bore rod, nipple wrench, lead balls, and ball mold.

Very good with effectively all of the gold inlay, a mix of brown and gray patina throughout the remaining metal surfaces, light Damascus patterns along the barrel, traces of original case colors, and some minor marks and scratches consistent with the age. The stock is very good with crisp checkering, numerous minor pressure marks and surface scratches, a discreet repair visible above the rear wedge on the left, and even oiled finish. Mechanically fine.

As described in "A".

Very good with essentially all of the gold inlay, mostly smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, light Damascus patterns along the barrel, traces of original case colors, light marks and scratches, and minor spotting. The stock is very good and has a few minor cracks and checks, an oval repair on the left at the front wedge, scratched out markings and an "X" on the left side of the wrist, and numerous light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The partially restored case is good with cracks in the lid, mild wear on the lining, bent lock plate, and scratches and dings. The accessories are generally very good with mild wear consistent with age. Overall, this is a very attractive case set built around a pair of dueling pistols by one of London's premier gunmakers.