Manton 400 EX - or 450/400 3 1/4" - ejectors with extra barrels in 20 Ga.

Description:
Serial # is 70279. Rifle barrel set measures 26”, shotgun’s measures 28”. Both have bright chambers and bores. Crisp rifling on a .406 bore.  I can’t tell by the stamping if we have a 55 gr cordite proof or a 60 gr , but being an Indian market rifle, I would guess 55 gr cordite.  With my aging eye balls and old Kynoch, the rifle printed a nice 1 1/4” group at 55 yards (see picture).
The 20 Ga 2 3/4”is Birmingham proofed post 1954.
Both sets of barrels have good soldering, 99+ % blacking and are tight on faces of breech. The shotgun configuration balances right behind the hinge pin. The shotgun weighs 7 Lbs. 14 oz, the rifle weighs 10 Lbs. 9oz.
The action is in great mechanical condition with good trigger pulls and strong ejectors. Deep chiseled acanthus leaves engraving with 90 % plus coverage. I’m guessing the gun was refinished in England at the time the shotgun barrels were fitted and had a most sheltered life since.
The stock LOP is 14 1/2” over a 1” Silvers pad . I cannot find any reference about the coat of arm on the cheek piece medallion.  The number 2 could be an armory number.
However, judging by the engraving and the walnut quality, the gentleman who special ordered the rifle was a man of taste.
The wood finish and checkering are in excellent condition, not oil soaked and very strong.
Comes in a Beretta canvas case.

Joseph Manton was the forefather of the modern English gun trade and his work not only advanced the technology of firearms but also influenced a generation of gunmakers. Notable figures such as James Purdey, Thomas Boss, William Greener and Charles Lancaster (to name a few) trained under him, contributing to the evolution of the gun trade in London.

 

Rifle Caliber: .450/400 3 1/4"
Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge

Price: $23,000.00