The escutcheons of each gun and the lid of the case are engraved with the crowned crest of Albert, the Prince Consort, and with the motto of the Order of the Garter “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.” Prince Albert (1819-1861), husband of Queen Victoria, was a well-known shooting enthusiast, and he was regarded as a very fine shot. His patronage of gunmakers was widespread and included such famous makers as Charles Lancaster and John Manton, the latter enjoying the patronage of practically the entire British nobility. It is believed that Albert owned a number of guns by Manton with one remaining within the Royal Collection at Sandringham along with a pair by William Moore. Famed for his passion for technological advancement, illustrated by his considerable involvement in the organisation of The Great Exhibition of 1851, Albert was an early convert to breech-loading guns with a pair of Lancaster base-fire shotguns purchased two years before his death being held in the Royal Collection at Windsor. Using the W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back dating structure published in “The Manton Supplement,” these guns date to circa 1844. With browned Damascus barrels with silver bead front sights and signed “JOHN MANTON & SON. DOVER STREET. LONDON” and engraved with a spray of scrollwork on the concave ribs. Serial numbered patent breeches each with engraved pierced platinum plug and engraved with a shell on the rib section between. Standing breeches engraved with further scrollwork and a partridge standing in long grass. Locks each engraved with a differing scene of three pheasants in their naturalistic habitat and signed “JNO. MANTON & SON. PATENT.” Well-figured walnut half-length stocks with checkered grips, the wrists inset with silver escutcheons engraved with Albert’s crowned crest and the motto of the Order of the Garter, the underside of the butts inset with German silver escutcheons numbered “1” and "2" respectively. Furniture comprising trigger plates engraved with pineapple finials, trigger guards engraved with pointer seeking a game bird in meadow grass on the bows and a running hare on the tangs, and heel plates engraved with three partridges in a pastoral setting. The forearms with silver oval barrel key escutcheons. The forearms have a small wood insert, this taken in conjunction with the position of the small German silver numbered escutcheons on the underside of the butt and the presence of two cut outs in case tray partitions indicates that these guns had sling mounts at some time, removed during their working life. Sling mounts on double guns are favored more in Continental Europe than elsewhere, and with Albert being German the sling mounts may have been original factory fitments to his taste. Original brass mounted ramrod with worm. London proof marks. In original brass bound mahogany case with lift-out tray, lined in crimson velvet and with working key. The inside of the lid with John Manton & Son trade label of circa 1862 covering an earlier trade label. With accessories including “T” shaped percussion nipple wrench with pricker and spare percussion nipples, circular brass percussion cap dispenser and sealed tin of Joyce percussion caps. W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back's “The Manton Supplement” on p. 87 notes these guns as formerly being Prince Albert’s property.

Fine. The barrels retain most of the rebrowned finish and have a clear rib signature. The underside of the patent breeches has traces of original casehardened finish. The breeches, standing breech and locks have clear engraving and signatures, and there is some handling softening to the engraving on the furniture. The stock is re-oiled and has occasional storage and handling marks and blemishes and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some age marking and staining to the lining. The accessories are also generally very good.

See "A."

Fine. The barrels have most of the rebrowned finish remaining and a distinct signature. The underside of the patent breeches has traces of original casehardened finish. The breeches, standing breech and locks have clear engraving and signatures, and the furniture engraving has some handling softening. The stock is re-oiled and has some handling and storage marks and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.