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LOT 275
Scarce Engraved Charles Jones Patent “Waterproof Locks
with Concentric Sears & Triggers” Percussion Double Barrel
Shotgun - Serial no. 99, 12 gauge, 29 5/8 inch solid rib bbl.,
brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. Charles
Frederick Jones received English patent 6394 on March 7, 1833,
for “Percussion-locks, applicable to fire-arms [protecting the
priming of fire-arms from wet.]” and patent 6436 on June 12,
1833, for “Arrangement of additions to and alterations in certain
parts of gun and pistol locks [percussion locks; protecting
the priming of fire-arms from wet.]” A relatively small number of these guns were made c. 1833-
1843. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have a concave rib inscribed “CHARLES JONES’S PATENT,
32. COCKSPUR STREET, LONDON.” The gun features pierced platinum plugs. The trigger plate is
inscribed “CHARLES JONES’S/PATENT Waterproof LOCKS./with CONCENTRIC Sears & Triggers”, and
the “waterproof” breech mechanism is inscribed “PATENT./99.” and has a sliding cover with knurled panel that
reveals the interesting internal hammer mechanism. The blued trigger guard is engraved with a scene of a dog
carrying a bird, and additional bird scenes are engraved on the rib on the breech plugs, the tail of the trigger plate,
and on the heel extension. The locks and action are engraved with scrollwork. The silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed with a coronet over a script
“R”. The figured half-stock also has silver slide escutcheons, a checkered wrist, and a 14 1/2 inch length of pull. A certificate of authenticity from F.
Theodore Dexter for Norman Blank is included.
CONDITION: Very fine with crisp engraving and markings, 90% of the original finishes, vibrant case colors, aged patina on the silver, patches
of pitting on the rib and barrels, and generally only light age and storage related wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering,
attractive figure and grain, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. Overall, a very high condition example of the scarce and
innovative Charles Jones patent double barrel shotgun.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,500
LOT 274
Cased Engraved John Manton & Son Percussion
Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 11823, 12 gauge,
29 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue
finish, walnut stock. This gun
is listed on page 115 of “The
Mantons” by W. Keith Neal and
D.H.L. Back in the 1845-1849
range as a “Double Barrel 12
Bore Shotgun” owned by “N.
Blank, U.S.A.” and described
as follows: “This gun is not
provided with a ramrod, and
hence is likely to have been
made for trap-shooting. The inscription on the barrel rib is written in a flowing hand, the M of Manton, S of Son, and L of London
all having tails.” Norman R. Blank’s notes further state: “This might have been used as a pigeon gun, as many pigeon guns were
made in this fashion. I have shot this gun frequently and find it to be most excellent in its handling qualities. I have many times
broken 23 of 25 at Skeet with it; this being as many or more than I have broken with the breech loader on the same day.” The
smoothbore Damascus barrels have a concave rib with a bead front sight and “John Manton & Son Dover Street London” in script.
Scroll engraving flows across the rib extension onto the rib at the breech, and the casehardened breech plugs have additional
engraving and pierced plugs. The underside of the barrel has “J.M” and London proof marks. Matching serial numbers are on each barrel,
the breech hooks, the forend under the barrels, inside of each lock, and the trigger guard tang. The inside of the locks are also marked “GM,” and the outsides
are signed “JNO MANTON & SON PATENT” and have pigeon scenes and scroll and border engraving. The mounts also feature scroll and bird scene engraving,
and the forend tip and trigger plate have engraved stylized pineapple finials. The trigger guard has a hole in the front of the bow. Blank wrote that he did not
know the purpose of the hole. The stock has silver escutcheons, checkering on the forend and wrist, and a 14 1/4 inch length of pull. The mahogany case has
green baize lining, a John Manton & Son trade label, leather shot and powder flasks, loading and cleaning rods, and T-shaped nipple wrench.
CONDITION: Fine with 30% original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrels, minor flash pitting, dark aged patina on the
silver, traces of original finish on the locks and furniture and otherwise smooth gray patina, crisp engraving and markings, chipped wedge \, and
general mild overall wear. The right lock bridle, mainspring, and hammer are replacements by W. Keith Neal. The stock is also fine aside from
pinned repair at the tail of the left lock and has generally mild overall wear, distinct checkering, and attractive figure. Mechanically excellent. The
case and accessories are fine with general mild age and storage related wear and the hinged compartment loose. Overall, a quality percussion
double barrel shotgun by John Manton & Son.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,500
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