Original British 12 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by Manton of London – circa 1840 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Filthy dirty from over 100 years storage, this is a good quality London double barrel 12 bore shotgun signed on the lock plates by the maker: MANTON.  The Manton family were prolific gunsmiths in the London Area. JOHN MANTON was one of England’s finest gunsmiths in the early part of the 19th Century, as was his brother JOSEPH, who would mentor several famous mid 19th Century gunsmiths. John’s son George Henry Manton also made guns until 1854.

It is also marked on the barrel rib: MANTON LONDON TWIST LAMINATED STEEL., though the twists can no longer be seen due to the finish.

The barrels are 31 1/2″ in length and the gun 48″ overall. It features side action percussion locks, and overall has a great patina. The locks function correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. The trigger for the left side lock has unfortunately had the spur break off, which could be easily repaired.

The underside of the barrels show Birmingham proof marks, are marked 13, which may indicate that it was originally a 13 gauge shotgun, bored out or just that worn. The barrel attachment fitting that fits on the wedge unfortunately has broken loose from the bottom of the barrel. It looks like a repair attempt was made at some point, but it was not effective, so the barrel is held in place with only the cleaning rod, a cleaning rod, which looks to be a display replacement.

Most attractive and ready to clean, repair, and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: about 12 bore
Ammunition Type: Lead ball / shot and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 inches 
Overall Length: 46 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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