A Fine Cased Joseph Manton 16 Bore Double Barrelled Sporting Gun. 48” overall, the original barrels damaged and shortened by the maker in 1824 to 24 ¼” (with Charles Lancaster barrel smith mark), the new 31 ¾” (with William Fullford barrel smith mark), both barrels signed on the raised top rib 'JOSEPH MANTON HANNOVER SQUARE LONDON'. Fully scroll and border engraved top tang, flat colour hardened locks engraved with flourishes of acanthus scrolls and signed 'JOSEPH MANTON PATENT', slab sided dolphin headed hammers engraved with acanthus scrolls inhabited by a mythical beast. Walnut half stock chequered at the wrist, clipped corner white metal escutcheon behind the top tang engraved with an armorial, iron heel plate, the top spur engraved with a martial trophy, iron trigger guard bow engraved with a musical trophy with pineapple finial. Engraved ramrod throat with brass mounted ebony ramrods for both barrels. Complete with its original walnut case fitted for the longer barrels only and lined and compartmented in green baize, parchment Joseph Manton Hanover Square trade label inside lid and also containing a Britannia metal powder flask, cap tins, shot charger and measure.
Gun made in 1821 as a tubelock and converted to a cap lock in 1824 when the new barrels were made. Serial no. 8629, and the new barrels are serial no. 8869,
Gun in very good condition with most original finish, bore of later barrels near mint.
The armorial on the wrist escutcheon is that of Viscount Tamworth, son of Earl Ferrers, who had the gun made. An ancestor of the last owner was the Parson to the Viscount's family and had the Viscount 'die in his arms' in 1824. The gun was given to the Parson by the Viscount's family and it has remained by descent with the same family ever since. A file of notes on the history and copies of family letters are included with the gun.