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Manton & Co. Rare Phillips Patent "Vena Contracta" 12-to-20 Gauge Boxlock Ejector 5 lbs 12 oz
Guns International #: 101717550 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Manton & Company Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double
Seller's Information
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Seller: Grouse Grove
Member Since: 3/17/07
State: Montana
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 442-2322
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 5
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted:
Description:
SOLD
Here is a rare Phillips Patent Vena Contracta boxlock ejector by Manton & Co. The 30 inch barrels taper rapidly from 12 bore at the breech to 20 bore at the muzzles. The idea behind Horatio Phillips' patent, with its exaggerated diminishing bore diameter, was to distribute the weight of the gun more effectively, with a heavier action and lighter stock.
Writing in "The Field" in 1894, Phillips had this to say about his patent: "Practically speaking, the recoil and the pressure in the chamber are exactly the same as obtains in an ordinary 12-bore gun firing the same shot charge; but the vibration set up in the stock of an ordinary gun, and which is the chief factor in producing gun-headache, is almost entirely absent, the vibration being absorbed by the mass of metal surrounding the breech of the gun. Guns utilising this patent are handy in consequence of the greater portion of the weight being concentrated near the middle of the length."
This particular example balances and swings beautifully. The 30" barrels have 2 1/2" chambers (they were originally proofed at 2"). They are choked .007/.015, or approximately improved cylinder/modified. (Remember: these are essentially 20 gauge tubes.) The swamped rib is engraved: MANTON & CO. GUN MAKERS TO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. K.G. LONDON & CALCUTTA. The receiver has fine border and scroll engraving. The gun locks up tight with a doll's head extension. The action features intercepting sears. The fore-end has an Anson push-rod release. The lightly figured stock measures 1 1/2" x 2" x 14 1/2" with slight cast off. The weight is a hair under 5 lbs 12 oz. An extremely unusual and absolutely beautifully handling little gun.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge