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Arms, Armor and Militaria
|
- Sale 2030
Live
| Cincinnati
Oct 23 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 2030
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$700 – $1,000
About .64 bore diameter. 35" two stage octagonal to round barrel. SN: NSN. Browned metal finish with brass stock fixtures. Walnut stock has checkering to straight grip and forearm, along with a German silver forend cap. Percussion fowler with a brass bead front sight. Markings include MANTON to lockplate along with simple floral scroll. Barrel has maker's mark WR (possibly W.R. Wallis) surrounded by two post-1813 Birmingham proofs including {crown/crossed scepters BPR} and {crown/crossed scepters V} to left of Nock's form. Top of barrel is marked LONDON. Engravings include simple foliate scroll to lock, triggerguard, upper tang, and heel of buttplate. Barrel has two silver or pewter inlays to Nock's form. Included with item is a wood ramrod.
This item is likely a Manton & Co. production from around 1847-1878 when the company was under the ownership of W.R. Wallis. According to Experts on Guns & Shooting by G.T. Teasedale-Buckell, Joseph Manton sent his son Frederick to Calcutta around 1820 to establish a branch of Joseph Manton guns in India. The branch became known as Manton & Sons and opened in 1825 (Not to be confused with Manton & Sons of London owned by Joseph's brother John Manton). Known for producing high quality sport guns and dueling pistols, Joseph Manton went bankrupt around 1826 and was sent to debt jail in 1829. Manton & Sons was then managed by his sons Frederick, John Augustus (also went to debt jail around 1836), and Edward until about 1846 or 1847 when the business was bought by W.R. Wallis. Without Joseph Manton closely involved, production quality diminished and the name was later changed to Manton & Co. at some point during the end of the Manton's ownership and start of Wallis' ownership. Wallis ran the business until he retired from India around 1878 and handed the company down to his descendants.
Fair to good. Bore is dark. Finish has thinned areas scattered to barrel, with darkened appearance due to pitting and patination. Wood stock is in good condition with some scattered scratches and mars overall. Wood to metal fit has very slight gapping to some components, stock possibly refurbished at some point. Action is functional.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
Ms. Emma Fulmer
ATF Manager, Senior Coordinator, Arms, Armor & Militaria
