Lot Essay
The breech was patented by John Manton under No. 2178 on 12 April 1797
Details
A CASED 20-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN
BY JOHN MANTON, NO. 6 DOVER STREET, LONDON, NO. 4518 FOR 1805
With rebrowned two-stage twist barrel and silver fore-sight, long patent breech screwing over the end of the barrel, with gold line, gold-lined maker's stamp, and platinum-lined touch-hole, engraved tang, signed engraved flat case-hardened serial numbered lock with roller, rainproof pan, and 'French' cock (top jaw and screw associated), finely figured walnut half-stock (cracked and repaired around the lock), chequered grip, cheek-piece with leather pad, finely engraved iron mounts, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, silver escutcheon engraved with the Plymouth crest and coronet, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end cap, and original brass-mounted ramrod: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories, the lid with trade label for circa 1798-1815 and with flush-fitting carrying handle and circular escutcheon engraved 'Earl of Plymouth'
32in. barrel
BY JOHN MANTON, NO. 6 DOVER STREET, LONDON, NO. 4518 FOR 1805
With rebrowned two-stage twist barrel and silver fore-sight, long patent breech screwing over the end of the barrel, with gold line, gold-lined maker's stamp, and platinum-lined touch-hole, engraved tang, signed engraved flat case-hardened serial numbered lock with roller, rainproof pan, and 'French' cock (top jaw and screw associated), finely figured walnut half-stock (cracked and repaired around the lock), chequered grip, cheek-piece with leather pad, finely engraved iron mounts, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, silver escutcheon engraved with the Plymouth crest and coronet, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end cap, and original brass-mounted ramrod: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories, the lid with trade label for circa 1798-1815 and with flush-fitting carrying handle and circular escutcheon engraved 'Earl of Plymouth'
32in. barrel
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, The Mantons, p. 83
British Gunmakers, Their Trade
Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, plate 394
D.H.L. Back, The Mantons 1782-1878, p. 34
British Gunmakers, Their Trade
Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, plate 394
D.H.L. Back, The Mantons 1782-1878, p. 34