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LOT 308
Documented Pair of Engraved
and Gold and Silver Inlaid John
Manton Single Barrel Flintlock Shotguns with
Spanish Barrels Formerly Owned by the Earl of Plymouth
-A) Manton Flintlock Shotgun - Serial no. 5396, 14 gauge, 36 1/4 inch
part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver/gold finish, walnut stock. In an
included letter to Norman R. Blank on February 15, 1962, W. Keith Neal writes: “Dear Norman,
If this letter is difficult to read it is because I am writing it on a bumpy train! I had a real field day & got a superb
collection of guns mostly by John Manton - they belonged to the Earl of Plymouth & had all been well cared
for.” He lists among them a pair of single barrel flintlock sporting guns by John Manton with Spanish
barrels with gold and silver inlays. The pair is listed on page 87 of “The Mantons: Gunmakers” by Neal
and D. H. L. Back and described as “Two Single Barrel 14 Bore Shotguns...These are two Spanish barrels
which have been mounted by John Manton. The locks have French cocks, and the breeches have gold
stamps and platinum touch-holes.” The two guns are very similar though differ in the barrels. #5396 has
a smoothbore barrel with a silver blade front sight with flush inlaid silver “spider” base with additional
silver inlaid accents, chiseling with gilt backgrounds at the transition point, silver inlaid scrollwork on the
breech section, and gold lined sunken Spanish maker’s marks including “crown/V/FUS/TA” at the breech
ends. The casehardened patent breech has a gold lined sunken “MANTON/LONDON” maker’s mark along with a gold band and
platinum vent liners. The lock features a guttered priming pan, frizzen spring roller, border and dog scene engraving, and “MANTON”
signed at the center. The trigger plate has a stylized pineapple finial and sling eye. The corresponding sling eye is on the butt. The trigger guard
bow and heel have engraved scenes with a pair dogs, and the serial number is marked in a burst pattern engraved in the scrolling section of the
grip extension. The walnut half-stock has a horn forend cap, silver wedge escutcheons, checkered wrist, oval cheekpiece, and 14 inch length of pull.
CONDITION: Fine with 75% plus of the older re-browned finish remaining on the barrel along with dark aged patina on the silver and bright
gold, light original case colors, traces of original blue finish, gray and brown patina on the balance, distinct engraving, aged patina on
the silver escutcheons, and mild age and storage related wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, moderate scratches
and dings, and edge wear. Mechanically fine. B) Manton Flintlock Shotgun - Serial no. 5395, 14 gauge, 34 7/8 inch part octagon
bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver/gold finish, walnut stock. #5395 is very similar to #5396 with the exceptions of having a shorter
barrel with differing silver inlays, a dog and bird scene on the trigger guard bow, and a pair of birds in scrollwork on the heel.
CONDITION: Fine with 75% of the older re-browned finish remaining on the barrel along with dark aged patina on the silver inlays
and bright gold, re-faced frizzen, light original case colors, traces of original blue finish, gray and brown patina on the balance,
distinct engraving, aged patina on the silver escutcheons, and mild age and storage related wear. The stock is good and has crisp
checkering, mild scratches and dings, and some cracks. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Collection of the Earls of Plymouth; W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
Listed by serial number in The
Mantons Gunmakers by Neal & Back
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