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Lord Lowther's Mantons
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70088
An Exceptional Cased Pair of Joseph Manton Duelling Pistols, Once Belonging to Lord Viscount Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale:
English 1796. SN 858. 32 Bore (13.35 mm); 0.526 cal. The pistols are each fitted with 10 in. slightly swamped barrels of twist, octagonal section. The top flat near the breach bears the maker's signature: Joseph Manton Patent under a crown in a recessed gold poincoin (1,2,3). The barrels retain their original English browning. A single gold line is at the breach and gold lined touch holes. Embedded silver fore-sights and blued back-sights set into a dovetail slot. Floral engraved and case-hardened steel tangs. The engraved trigger guards have a running feather border with an engraving of arms on the bow. Lock plates are signed Joseph Manton London under the pans, with a running feather border on the perimeter section, and an engraving of a martial trophy. Blued and engraved steel screws. Blued and engraved steel pommel caps. Fire blued, tempered, steel springs. Anti-friction roller frizzens bearing on the top ramp of the steel spring, and with running feather borders en suite. Semi rainproof pans. Engraved, serpentine hammers. Nicely figured, English walnut, full stocks with checkered grips featuring a silver wrist escutcheon. The stocks attach to the barrels via two captive side bolts. No barrel bolt escutcheons are present. Original, wooden, greenheart ramrods with horn tips. Weight of the pistols is 1,152 g & 1,158 g respectively, making them remarkably similar in their overall production. William Keith Neal Collection Tag: C23. The pistols are housed in their original, fitted, mahogany case (18 X 9 X 3 in.) lined in green baize. A full complement of accessories are present which include a three-way powder flask covered in red leather, a pan brush, a turnscrew, several replacement flints, a combination ball setting rod/cleaning jag/unloading extractor with a threaded, removable boxwood handle, an original case key, a correct size pincer ball mould marked "48" and "858," (numbered to the pistols), and a quantity of corresponding cast, one-half ounce, lead balls. Also present is a collection tag written by W. Keith Neal: "Lord Lonsdales Joseph Manton Duelling Pistols" and "Lowther Castle Sale." The other side: "Private Collection 858 Serial Number." (Fig 3.) "Lord Vist. Lowther" is engraved on an oval plaque on the lid of the case. An original and rare trade label of Joseph Manton's earliest type (1793-1805) is affixed to the inside of the lid (4). The label is overstamped twice with the retailers mark of, "J. Holmes Gunmaker / 5 Market Square Penrith" Condition: David Williams and Peter Hawkins (Both of Bonhams.) catalog these pistols as an exceptional example of Joseph Manton's early type of duelling pistol, which is only very rarely seen. The condition is indeed, truely exceptional throughout. Just opening the case gives an immediate visual impact that the pistols are newly manufactured. All original finish. Original English browning on the pistol barrels, retaining sharp edges, and essentially no wear. Excellent mechanics with strong mainspring pressure. Bores are brilliant (10/10) with a very clear, early form of scratch rifling. Safety's at half cock. Screw slots are new and unused. Careful scrutiny, indicates the pistols to be unfired. A virtual time capsule left untouched since 1796. Discussion:
These famous pistols were the property of Sir William Lowther (1757-1844), 5th Viscount Lonsdale, and were almost certainly acquired by him between 1802-1807. He was the son and heir of the Rev. Sir William Lowther, Bt., of Swillington, Yorks. In 1788 he succeeded his father as 2nd Baronet, and in 1802 his cousin, Sir James Lowther (1736-1802), the 1st Earl of Lonsdale, in the Barony and Viscountcy of Lowther of Whitehaven. In 1807 he was himself created the 1st Earl of Lonsdale (of the second creation), and then a Knight of the Garter. He served as an MP between 1780 and 1802, and as an officer in the 8th Regiment of Foot. William Lowther was responsible, along with the renowned architect Sir Robert Smirke, for the design and construction of Lowther Castle, in its pseudo-Gothic splendour, in central Cumberland. The castle was built between 1806-1814, and features fabulous stone block architecture in a sprawling, picturesque setting in the English countryside (Fig 1,2). Lord Lowther was a generous patron of artists and writers, and hosted many events at the castle. However, his great passion was foxhunting according to Robert Smirke, 'he keeps about fifty hunters'. He was regarded as generous and sympathetic, and was a personal friend and patron of the poet William Wordsworth. Interestingly, the Earls of Lonsdale can trace their origins to Viking settlers of Cumberland who began inhabiting the northwestern coast of England in the middle ages, ca. 1120 AD (8). The original Viking encampments eventually became the same site at which Lowther Castle stands today. Joseph Manton: Joseph Manton was first apprenticed as a Gunsmith in 1780, and then to his brother John in 1781. At the age of 24 he left John Manton to start his own business in 1789 on Davies Street, Berkeley Square in London. In 1819 he moved to 11 Hanover Square, and then in 1820, he leased space at 315 Oxford Street. After some turbulent years of financial reorganizations and moving his locations (from 1826-1832), he finally settled at 6 Holles Street, Cavendish Square with his son John Augustus in 1834. He then began trading as Joseph Manton & Son. He died in 1835, and the business was then taken over in 1838 by Charles and Henry Egg (4). He held the prestigeous positions of Gunmaker to the East India Company (1796-9) and Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to George IV. Research shows that Joseph Manton possessed an incredible resume in the Gunmaker's trade. His contributions range from improving the accuracy of firearms and developing sporting shotguns, to ammunition development. Many historians view Joseph Manton as the "Father of English Firearm Development." Joseph Manton's firearms remain highly praised by collectors as being built of exceptional quality and having numerous innovations and improvements, many of which were patented. Perhaps the most significant, and most easily recognizable of the group is Joseph Manton's patented, inset breach block design (7). Curator's Footnotes: • These cased Joseph Manton duelling pistols resided at Lowther Castle from ca. 1806-1947. They were present in a small armory of flintlock weapons, which also included Sir James Lowther's cased John Manton duelling pistols (6, Fig 6.), along with an assortment of hunting rifles and defensive weapons. The contents of the armory was purchased by W. Keith Neal in 1947, and remained in his possession until his death in 1990. • Prior to this, the pistols were most likely housed at Lowther Hall (ca. 1802-1806), the original seat of the Earls of Lonsdale, at the same site in Cumberland, until the construction of Lowther Castle was completed.
An Exceptional Cased Pair of Joseph Manton Duelling Pistols, Once Belonging to Lord Viscount Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale:
English 1796. SN 858. 32 Bore (13.35 mm); 0.526 cal. The pistols are each fitted with 10 in. slightly swamped barrels of twist, octagonal section. The top flat near the breach bears the maker's signature: Joseph Manton Patent under a crown in a recessed gold poincoin (1,2,3). The barrels retain their original English browning. A single gold line is at the breach and gold lined touch holes. Embedded silver fore-sights and blued back-sights set into a dovetail slot. Floral engraved and case-hardened steel tangs. The engraved trigger guards have a running feather border with an engraving of arms on the bow. Lock plates are signed Joseph Manton London under the pans, with a running feather border on the perimeter section, and an engraving of a martial trophy. Blued and engraved steel screws. Blued and engraved steel pommel caps. Fire blued, tempered, steel springs. Anti-friction roller frizzens bearing on the top ramp of the steel spring, and with running feather borders en suite. Semi rainproof pans. Engraved, serpentine hammers. Nicely figured, English walnut, full stocks with checkered grips featuring a silver wrist escutcheon. The stocks attach to the barrels via two captive side bolts. No barrel bolt escutcheons are present. Original, wooden, greenheart ramrods with horn tips. Weight of the pistols is 1,152 g & 1,158 g respectively, making them remarkably similar in their overall production. William Keith Neal Collection Tag: C23. The pistols are housed in their original, fitted, mahogany case (18 X 9 X 3 in.) lined in green baize. A full complement of accessories are present which include a three-way powder flask covered in red leather, a pan brush, a turnscrew, several replacement flints, a combination ball setting rod/cleaning jag/unloading extractor with a threaded, removable boxwood handle, an original case key, a correct size pincer ball mould marked "48" and "858," (numbered to the pistols), and a quantity of corresponding cast, one-half ounce, lead balls. Also present is a collection tag written by W. Keith Neal: "Lord Lonsdales Joseph Manton Duelling Pistols" and "Lowther Castle Sale." The other side: "Private Collection 858 Serial Number." (Fig 3.) "Lord Vist. Lowther" is engraved on an oval plaque on the lid of the case. An original and rare trade label of Joseph Manton's earliest type (1793-1805) is affixed to the inside of the lid (4). The label is overstamped twice with the retailers mark of, "J. Holmes Gunmaker / 5 Market Square Penrith" Condition: David Williams and Peter Hawkins (Both of Bonhams.) catalog these pistols as an exceptional example of Joseph Manton's early type of duelling pistol, which is only very rarely seen. The condition is indeed, truely exceptional throughout. Just opening the case gives an immediate visual impact that the pistols are newly manufactured. All original finish. Original English browning on the pistol barrels, retaining sharp edges, and essentially no wear. Excellent mechanics with strong mainspring pressure. Bores are brilliant (10/10) with a very clear, early form of scratch rifling. Safety's at half cock. Screw slots are new and unused. Careful scrutiny, indicates the pistols to be unfired. A virtual time capsule left untouched since 1796. Discussion:
These famous pistols were the property of Sir William Lowther (1757-1844), 5th Viscount Lonsdale, and were almost certainly acquired by him between 1802-1807. He was the son and heir of the Rev. Sir William Lowther, Bt., of Swillington, Yorks. In 1788 he succeeded his father as 2nd Baronet, and in 1802 his cousin, Sir James Lowther (1736-1802), the 1st Earl of Lonsdale, in the Barony and Viscountcy of Lowther of Whitehaven. In 1807 he was himself created the 1st Earl of Lonsdale (of the second creation), and then a Knight of the Garter. He served as an MP between 1780 and 1802, and as an officer in the 8th Regiment of Foot. William Lowther was responsible, along with the renowned architect Sir Robert Smirke, for the design and construction of Lowther Castle, in its pseudo-Gothic splendour, in central Cumberland. The castle was built between 1806-1814, and features fabulous stone block architecture in a sprawling, picturesque setting in the English countryside (Fig 1,2). Lord Lowther was a generous patron of artists and writers, and hosted many events at the castle. However, his great passion was foxhunting according to Robert Smirke, 'he keeps about fifty hunters'. He was regarded as generous and sympathetic, and was a personal friend and patron of the poet William Wordsworth. Interestingly, the Earls of Lonsdale can trace their origins to Viking settlers of Cumberland who began inhabiting the northwestern coast of England in the middle ages, ca. 1120 AD (8). The original Viking encampments eventually became the same site at which Lowther Castle stands today. Joseph Manton: Joseph Manton was first apprenticed as a Gunsmith in 1780, and then to his brother John in 1781. At the age of 24 he left John Manton to start his own business in 1789 on Davies Street, Berkeley Square in London. In 1819 he moved to 11 Hanover Square, and then in 1820, he leased space at 315 Oxford Street. After some turbulent years of financial reorganizations and moving his locations (from 1826-1832), he finally settled at 6 Holles Street, Cavendish Square with his son John Augustus in 1834. He then began trading as Joseph Manton & Son. He died in 1835, and the business was then taken over in 1838 by Charles and Henry Egg (4). He held the prestigeous positions of Gunmaker to the East India Company (1796-9) and Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to George IV. Research shows that Joseph Manton possessed an incredible resume in the Gunmaker's trade. His contributions range from improving the accuracy of firearms and developing sporting shotguns, to ammunition development. Many historians view Joseph Manton as the "Father of English Firearm Development." Joseph Manton's firearms remain highly praised by collectors as being built of exceptional quality and having numerous innovations and improvements, many of which were patented. Perhaps the most significant, and most easily recognizable of the group is Joseph Manton's patented, inset breach block design (7). Curator's Footnotes: • These cased Joseph Manton duelling pistols resided at Lowther Castle from ca. 1806-1947. They were present in a small armory of flintlock weapons, which also included Sir James Lowther's cased John Manton duelling pistols (6, Fig 6.), along with an assortment of hunting rifles and defensive weapons. The contents of the armory was purchased by W. Keith Neal in 1947, and remained in his possession until his death in 1990. • Prior to this, the pistols were most likely housed at Lowther Hall (ca. 1802-1806), the original seat of the Earls of Lonsdale, at the same site in Cumberland, until the construction of Lowther Castle was completed.
Provenance:
Geoff Walker
Bonhams Knightsbridge 10 NOV 2005; Lot: 113.
"Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection." William Keith Neal Collection Tag: C 23.
William Keith Neal (1947-1990)
(The Earls of Lonsdale. Purchased by William Keith Neal in the house sale of Lowther Castle, Cumberland conducted by Maple & Co. and Thomas Wyatt, F.V.A. on 16 April 1947. Probably part of Lot 717.)
The Earls of Lonsdale:
The 6th Earl of Lonsdale; Lowther Castle, Cumberland, UK; Lancelot Lowther (1867-1947)
The 1st Earl of Lonsdale; Lowther Castle, Cumberland, UK; William Lowther (ca. 1802-1844)
Bibliography:
1. Blackmore, H. (1986). A Dictionary of London Gunmakers, 1350-1850, Phaidon, Christie's, Oxford. ISBN [0-7148-8021-3] p. 137. 2. Heer, Eugene (1978) Der Neue Stockl , Vol 2, p. 753. 3. Neal, W. K.; Back, D.H.L. (1966) The Mantons: Gunmakers. Herbert Jenkins, Ltd. See p. 125 & 228. These exact pistols are pictured on plate 74, and the trade label in the case lid, is pictured on plate 132. 4. Neal, W.K.; Back, D.H.L. (1980) British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment. Compton Press. ISBN [0-900193 581] Plate 410. 5. Back, D.H.L. (1993) The Mantons 1782-1878. ISBN [978-0-9508842-4-0] p. 83; Plates 82, 126 (Trade label.). 6. Bonhams Knightsbridge 10 NOV 2005; Lot: 112. 7. Joseph Manton was granted patent No. 1865 on APR 18, 1792 for the design of the inset breach block. (See reference 3, p. 139 and Fig. 9). The inset breach design allowed the ignition of the main charge to occur much more rapidly, and more closely approximate the center of the load. To quote Manton on the breeching of his guns on this improved principle: " ...has the advantage of lighting the powder in a more perfect manner." 8. Online databases: a.) [https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowther_Castle] b.) [https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Manton] c. [https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_of_Lonsdale]
Bibliography:
1. Blackmore, H. (1986). A Dictionary of London Gunmakers, 1350-1850, Phaidon, Christie's, Oxford. ISBN [0-7148-8021-3] p. 137. 2. Heer, Eugene (1978) Der Neue Stockl , Vol 2, p. 753. 3. Neal, W. K.; Back, D.H.L. (1966) The Mantons: Gunmakers. Herbert Jenkins, Ltd. See p. 125 & 228. These exact pistols are pictured on plate 74, and the trade label in the case lid, is pictured on plate 132. 4. Neal, W.K.; Back, D.H.L. (1980) British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment. Compton Press. ISBN [0-900193 581] Plate 410. 5. Back, D.H.L. (1993) The Mantons 1782-1878. ISBN [978-0-9508842-4-0] p. 83; Plates 82, 126 (Trade label.). 6. Bonhams Knightsbridge 10 NOV 2005; Lot: 112. 7. Joseph Manton was granted patent No. 1865 on APR 18, 1792 for the design of the inset breach block. (See reference 3, p. 139 and Fig. 9). The inset breach design allowed the ignition of the main charge to occur much more rapidly, and more closely approximate the center of the load. To quote Manton on the breeching of his guns on this improved principle: " ...has the advantage of lighting the powder in a more perfect manner." 8. Online databases: a.) [https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowther_Castle] b.) [https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Manton] c. [https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_of_Lonsdale]
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Fig. 1: Lowther Castle
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Fig. 2: Lowther Castle
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Fig. 3: Collection Tag Written By W. Keith Neal
Fig. 4: Joseph Manton (1766-1835)
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Fig. 5: William Keith Neal (1905-1990)
Fig. 6: Sir James Lowther (1736-1802)
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