Lot Essay
The longer barrels are struck with the intials TM, possibly for Thomas Manton, and appear to have been added at the time the gun was converted and the case relined and refitted
Details
A 20-BORE D.B. PERCUSSION COVERT GUN, rebuilt from flintlock, with rebrowned twist sighted barrel engraved 'Joseph Manton's New Improvements by His Majesty's Patent' on the elevated rib, case-hardened breeches engraved with a martial trophy and with platinum plugs, case-hardened foliate engraved tang, signed engraved case-hardened flat bevelled locks, figured walnut half-stock (fore-end repaired), chequered grip, blued steel mounts including butt-plate and trigger-guard each engraved with a martial trophy and foliage, vacant silver escutcheon, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, original brass-mounted wooden ramrod, and some of original finish: in original relined and refitted mahogany case (repaired, lid lining a modern replacement, keyhole escutcheon missing) with extra barrels en suite, trade label and some accessories including James Dixon powder-flask embossed on one side with maker's name and hanging game, by Joseph Manton, London, No. 5912 for 1813
18½in. and 29¾in. barrels
18½in. and 29¾in. barrels
Provenance
The Rev. E.C. Alston, Eire
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, The Mantons, p. 251