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Joseph Manton's First, SN-"100
Guns International #: 101236296 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Shotguns - 1500-1850 - Antique Shotguns - Flintlock
Seller's Information
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Seller: Bigboreuk
Member Since: 7/25/08
First Name: James
Last Name: Evans
State: Texas
Zip: 78024
Country: United States
Phone: (830) 238-4870
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 8
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Cashier's check
Description:
Historical collector's piece. First shotgun made and signed by Joseph Manton after finishing his 7 year apprenticeship and opening his own shop at 25 Davis St.,Berkley Sq. ,London in 1789. Beautifully re-browned 16 Ga. ,31 1/2",twist Damascus barrels signed in full along the sunken( non-elevated) rib. Recessed patented breeches with gold lined maker's stamp. Original gold touch-holes relined with platinum. Early London Gunmaker's Company proof marks with serial number on both barrels and breeches as seen in Plate # 73 of gun SN #181 of " The Mantons:Gunmakers", page # 24. Dolphin hammers. Patented gravitating safety stops added after 1812. Beautifully engraved long tang. Semi-rain proof pans. Fine engraving of game bird and dog on heel of tang. Silver escutcheon engraved with Major General Sir Robert Shafto Adair's initials, "RA". Original brass trimed ram rod. Stock of fine English walnut with sculptured cheek piece and checkered grip and forestock. Wt.=7 1/2 lbs.,Lop=14", Rt=0.660", Lf=0.657"
Joseph built and signed his first shotgun,SN-"100" for the Adair family of Suffolk who retained the gun at their Flixton Hall Castle for almost 150 years. It is believed the gun was only passed on to W. Keith after a disastrous fire and eventual bankruptcy of the Adair clan. The gun case is believed lost in the fire. Damage to stock was professionally refinished. Other guns from the Adair-Neal collection are on display in the Governor's Palace, Williamsburg, Va..According to Neal & Back,records indicate Joe's first rifle (SN-112) was made in 1790 for Mr. C. P. Bedford of the USA. Being the earliest known serial is verified on pg.#23 of "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Back, which concludes " the earliest gun we have found bears serial number "356".
James Purdey:--- "had it not been for Joe, we would have all been blacksmiths."
Geoff Walker,Manton-London, Ltd.--- "I believe it is possibly the oldest Manton
gun. It is even possible that it could be the first gun which Joe put his name on,since noother earlier serial numbers have come to light and therewould have been some logic in starting at "100" rather than"1". The signatures on the lock plates look correct to me."
Neal & Back: ---" Guns of his earliest years are now very scarce, and in fact very few appear to have survived with serial numbers before 1,000. They were excedingly good guns, and for that reason the majority were used and worn out."
Beautiful, only one in the world, 227 year old, 18 th century masterpiece by the "King of Gunsmiths".
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Joseph Manton
Model: Double flintlock
Serial Number: "100
Bore: 16 Ga.
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: excellent
Bore Condition: Good
Barrels: re - browned
Barrel Type: Damascus
Gauge Info: 16 Ga.
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Manufacture Date: C. 1789