Original British Double Barrel .50cal Percussion Tiger Rifle by J. Manton & Son Marked to Prime Minister of Nepal 1877-1885 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Now this is truly an impressive and ornate weapon! This is a fantastic double barrel .50 caliber percussion tiger rifle, made by the famous gunmakers J. Manton & Son Co. of London & Calcutta. It is marked to the Prime Minister of Nepal from 1877 – 1885, often known by the name Ranodip Singh Kunwar (रणोद्दिप सिंह कुँवर in Nepalese), who lived 1825 to 1885. One form of his name “Shri 3 Maharaja Ranaudip Singh Bahadur of Kaski & Lamjung” is all laid out in Devanagari script along the top flat of the 30″ barrels. In full, with all honorifics included, his name is “His Excellency Commanding General Shree Shree Shree Maharaja Sir Ranaudip Singh Bahadur Kunwar Ranaji.”

The barrels are rolled damascus steel beautifully browned. The iron mounts are all finely engraved including a circular cap box on the right butt cheek. The left butt cheek has a carved in cheek piece as you would expect. The magnificent wood stock which is probably walnut almost could pass for mahogany. The checkering on the small of the grip and the fore end is in very crisp condition.

Each lock plate is engraved and signed J. MANTON & SON CO. / LONDON and each is fitted with sliding safety catches in front of the hammers. 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. Joseph Manton and Sons were one of London’s foremost Gun Makers that opened in 1795 and ceased trading in 1877. They operated stores in both London and Calcutta, the latter of which is probably where this example was purchased.

The rifle comes complete with its original horn nosed ram rod with a brass fitting to the rear to screw in brushes etc. Both locks are functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. The safeties do not seem to function, possibly because they are out of adjustment. The bores of both barrels are in great shape, with two groove rifling and a mostly bright finish. There is just a bit of dirt and fouling in the grooves.

This comes to IMA from a deceased customer who purchased this rifle from us almost on the day we discovered it in the shipment of over 55,000 rifles and handguns we secured from the Royal Nepalese army in 2003.

This would make a magnificent addition to any collection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture:  Circa 1860
Caliber: Approximately .50″
Ammunition Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 46 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loader

NOTE:  International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.