Joseph Manton Flintlock Duelling Pistol
Joseph Manton · Pistol · Discontinued · 1789
Also known as: Manton Duelling Pistol, Joseph Manton Duelling Pistol
Overview
The Joseph Manton Flintlock Duelling Pistol is a single-shot, muzzleloading flintlock pistol built by the celebrated London gunmaker Joseph Manton in the late Georgian and Regency period. Firing a patched lead round ball of roughly .58 caliber from a full-octagon barrel, it was renowned for a truer aim than any other pistol of its day thanks to Manton's carefully regulated barrels, forward-weighted balance, discrete scratch rifling, roller-bearing frizzen and rain-proof self-priming pan. Sold in cased matched pairs with accessories, Manton's duelling pistols set the standard for accuracy and reliability on the field of honour.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1100 g (38.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 180 m/s (591 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 290 J (214 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .58 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 58 cal round ball, 14.7mm lead ball, 38-bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzleloaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch, Sliding Safety Catch
- Features: Octagonal Barrel, Hooked Breech, Single Set Trigger, Checkered Grip, Roller Frizzen, Rain Proof Pan, Platinum Lined Touch Hole, Silver Blade Front Sight, Discrete Scratch Rifling
Production
Production years: 1789-1835
Bespoke London production; Manton made about 100 firearms per year across all types before his 1826 bankruptcy.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Joseph Manton
Discontinued: 1835
Notes
Handmade in small numbers; Manton produced roughly 100 arms of all types per year. Bores varied by commission (commonly 34- to 38-bore); the ~.58 figure represents a typical large-bore duelling example. Barrels of around 10 inches and overall length near 15.75 inches were common.
Background
Joseph Manton (1766-1835) was hailed as the father of the modern sporting gun, and his Oxford Street and Davies Street workshops trained a generation of legendary makers including James Purdey, Thomas Boss, Charles Lancaster, William Greener and William Moore. In the Regency era of the code duello his cased pistols were the most coveted arms in England, prized because their reliability and accuracy let a gentleman satisfy his honour without a fatal wound. Lord Byron and other notables frequented Manton's shooting gallery.