A Fine Cased Double Barrelled Percussion Sporting Gun by Joseph Manton.
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44” overall, 28” 18 bore side by side Damascus barrels, broad concave top rib signed ‘JOSEPH MANTON LONDON’ London proofs below, numbered 2807and barrelsmith’s mark CL (Charles Lancaster Manton’s foremost barrel smith). Scrolled foliage and serpents engraved to the rib end, breach tang, platinum vented plugs. The gun was originally a pellet lock and then converted by Manton shortly afterwards to percussion retaining the original hammers. Flat lock plates with Manton’s patent gravitating stops (platinum lined) which could be eased under the partially cocked hammer to rest on as a safety. Engraved ‘Joseph Manton Patent’ with coiled serpents, flat hammers with removable noses. Finely figured walnut half-stock finely chequered at the wrist, clipped corner rectangular escutcheon engraved with owner’s coat of arms: a crowned standing lion. Musical trophy engraved spur to the iron heel plate, musical trophy engraved trigger guard tang numbered 8207, pineapple finial to trigger guard and ramrod throat. Brass tipped wood ramrod with worm. In its original highly figured mahogany brass bound case with Joseph Manton 11 Hanover Square trade label, with ‘Gun Maker to His Majesty’, lifting ring handle and owner’s crest. With some accessories including brass powder flask, cap tin, nipple key, two piece cleaning rod, spare mainspring and side nail.
Gun in very fine condition with best quality engraving and much original finish, mint bores, best quality case in very good condition.
No 8207 made circa 1819 converted to percussion circa 1825, made in Joe Manton’s best period.
Joseph Manton 11 Hanover Square 1819-2. This trade label in use 1820 to 1825
See The Mantons 1782-1878 by D.H.L.Black plates 94 95 &97 and "The Mantons" by Keith Neal & Back, the entry shows that in 1966 the gun belonged to Arthur Richard Dufty, Master of Armouries at the Tower of London.