A Cased Pair of 38 Bore Percussion Target Pistols by John Blanch. With sighted browned octagonal barrels engraved ‘London’ in gothic script along the top-flats, case-hardened breech plugs decorated with scrolling foliage and inlaid with a single gold line, profusely engraved tangs fitted with rear-sights, signed border engraved locks fitted with sliding safety catches and decorated with sprays of foliage, (one pistol having one cock expertly replaced) half-stocked in walnut, cut with chequering at the grips with vacant oval escutcheons, engraved pasting mounts comprising spurred trigger guards decorated with foliage on the bows and pineapple finials, turned ramrod pipes and plain barrel escutcheons, with original loading rods. In lined and fitted case with all accessories including Sykes patent powder flask, oil bottle, loading rod, bullet mould etc, with trade label: John Blanch, Gun & Pistol Manufacturer, from J. Manton, Gunmaker to his Majesty’. The exterior of the box with rectangular carrying handle. 

BLANCH

John, Born 1784, Apprentice to Jackson Mortimer, 1800; free of Farriers Co. 1811. Elected Assistant, 1827; Master, 1834. Married his masters daughter, Ann, and established business, 1809. Worked first for John Manton and then in partnership with father-in-law as Mortimer & Blanch, 1811-12. Gunmaker, 39 Fish St. Hill, 1813-25; 29 Gracechurch St., 1826-48. At 25 Hanover St. Camberwell, 1841 Census. With son William, became John Blanch & Son.  

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London 1350-1850. George Shumway Publishers, USA.

Dimensions:

Bore: 38 Bore

Barrel Length: 8.5 Inches (22 cm)

Overall Length: 13.5 Inches (34.3 cm)