Page 212 - 4093-BOOK3
P. 212
LOT 3292
Cased Engraved Joseph Manton Flintlock Double Barrel Shotgun with Gravitating Stops and Grip
Safety - Serial no. 4271, 22 gauge, 30 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock.
This shotgun is listed in the 1806 section of “The Mantons” by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Black as a “Double
Barrel 22 Bore Shotgun” owned by “N. Blank, U.S.A.” and described as “The breeches have platinum touch-
holes and stamps. The locks are fitted with gravitating stops which were added in 1812 or later. The original
hammers have been replaced by Charles Lancaster, the present ones having his name engraved
on them.” The Damascus barrels have a raised concave rib with a bead front sight and “Joseph
Manton’s PATENT Elevation” inscription. The breech plugs have sunken “JOSEPH/MANTON/PATENT”
markings. The locks are each signed “Joseph Manton/LONDON” partially concealed by the noted
gravitating stops and “CHARLES/LANCASTER” marked frizzens. The engraving throughout consists
of scrollwork, borders, classical martial motifs, and stylized pineapple finials, and there is a bird
on the standing breech. A grip safety is incorporated on the trigger guard tang. The escutcheons
are silver. The elaborately figured stock has a checkered wrist and 14 inch length of pull. The gun
comes in an associated case with a c. 1820-25 trade label.
LOT 3293
Engraved William Smith Flintlock Double Barrel Sporting Gun - Serial no. 2146, 14 gauge, 27 1/4 inch
solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. This attractive Regency Era shotgun was produced
using William Smith’s 1812 patent no. 3588 for an improved gun lock. The frizzens are designed to allow air to
escape when the load is compressed and to facilitate “self-priming” by allowing some of the primary charge
to escape from the vent into the pan. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have a concave rib signed “W. Smith.
Princes Street London.” The breeches have platinum bands, and the rib extension is engraved with a burst
pattern. The grooved standing breech has a pineapple design in the groove and scrollwork. The frizzens are
respectively inscribed “W. SMITH/1371/PATENT” and “W. SMITH/1372/PATENT”, and the locks have “PATENT/1371”
and “PATENT/1372” respectively over “WILLIAM SMITH/PRINCES ST LONDON” below the elegantly shaped
priming pans. The locks feature scroll and border engraving, and the iron mounts likewise feature ornate scroll
engraving along with decorative finials and mask accents. The wrist escutcheon is silver and is inscribed “WSM”
or “WJM”. The figured half-length stock has silver slide escutcheons, a checkered wrist, and a 14 inch length of
pull. The buttplate tang is numbered “2146.” Includes a certificate of
authenticity for Norman Blank from F. Theodore Dexter.
CONDITION: Fine. The engraving and markings are distinct. The
silver wrist and slide escutcheons have dark patina. The re-browned
barrels have mostly distinct Damascus patterns and minor wear.
The breeches and locks have light original case colors and gray
patina. The mounts have been polished and exhibit mainly silver-
gray patina and some traces of oxidation. The re-oiled stock has
crisp checkering and a few minor dings and scratches. Mechanically
excellent.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
210