Joseph Manton & Son Back-Action 12 GA Percussion SXS Shotgun, 1830s Antique
SOLD FOR: $3125
LSB#: 210730AK01
Make: Joseph Manton
Model: Double Gun
Serial Number: 6764
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1830s
Caliber: 12 Gauge (.705?)
Action Type: Side-by-Side Back-Action Muzzle-Loading Percussion Double Shotgun
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “JOSEPH MANTON AND SON 6 HOLLES STREET CAVENDISH SQUARE LONDON”. The bottom rib is marked “6764”. The bottom of each barrel has a pair of British proof marks. The bottom of the left barrel has a Belgian proof mar, the right has “JHJR”, “VP” and “32”. There is decorative engraving on the breech-lug, hammers and guard with hunting dog scenes on the lock plates and the buttplate’s tang, a fowl scene on the breech-lug and a stag scene on the guard.
Barrel Length: 30?
Sights / Optics: There is a bead at the front of the rib.
Weight: 6 lb., 9.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with steel nosecap, straight wrist, straight comb, steel buttplate and a sling stud in the belly (the other is mounted to the rear ramrod ferrule). There is some sort of bedding compound or wood fill inside the forend. There is a repaired chip in front of the left lock plate and a pair of thin cracks in front of the right lockplate. The stock has some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is some more notable compression and a few thin cracks around the trigger plate’s finial. The checkering is well defined. Drop at comb measures approximately 1 1/4″, drop at heel 1 1/2″. The LOP measures 14 1/4? and 13 1/4? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear, oxidation and some surface erosion at the heel, toe and around the edges with some good finish remaining in the top tang and the face of the plate. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is some scattered minor erosion, most toward the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 70% of its metal finish. The barrels retain generally strong damascus patterning with some handling wear over the forend, some areas going to a light patina which mixes well with the original browned finish and some scattered light scuffs and scratches. The left lockplate has mostly muted while the right retains fairly good case color. The breech-lug and trigger plate have some good color remaining. The hammers have mostly muted with strong color on the inside of their arms. The guard has fairly strong blue finish with some scattered minor oxidation and edge thinning. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The nipples are intact and unobstructed. The hammers have half-cock safety positions. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a wooden carry case which is english-fit for the barrel and stock assemblies as well as for the variety of accessories which are included. Accessories include Dixon & Sons powder and shot flasks, nipple pick/wrench tool, case-hardened .70 caliber ball mold and a series of cleaning/maintenance tools and accessories. The case has scattered storage wear and discoloration, in about Good-plus condition. The tools and accessories show wear and discoloration consistent with their age and use.
Our Assessment: Joseph Manton was a British gunsmith who innovated sport shooting, improved weapon quality and paved the way for the modern artillery shell. Manton was a sport shooter in his own right and a friend of Colonel Peter Hawker. From 1781 onwards, he produced about 100 weapons annually, including dueling pistols and shotguns. In the early 19th Century, he invented the tube or pill lock, an improvement over Alexander Forsyth’s scent-bottle lock, but although readily adopted at the time, it was quickly overshadowed by the invention of the percussion cap. Manton’s weapons remain some of the most highly sought-after designs of the flintlock age and can fetch more at auction than Holland & Holland’s shotguns. His workforce included James Purdey (who went on to found Purdey’s), Thomas Boss, William Greener, and Charles Lancaster. This is a 16 bore percussion double shotgun made by Manton around the 1830s. The gun is in great shape for its age, retaining good bores and strong mechanics. With its included carry case and accessories, this will make a great addition to a fine European arms collection. After inspection by a qualified gunsmith, it may even still be suitable for more trips out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!