This classic English percussion shotgun from the famous Manton family dates to c. 1840-1844 based on the serial number and is detailed on page 112 of "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back where it is listed as a single barrel caplock shotgun with a 34 inch Charles Lancaster barrel (length including the breech plug, no "CL" barrel maker's mark present), and as from the Norman R. Blank Collection clearly indicating this fine sporting gun has been tucked away in Blank's collection since at least 1966. The barrel is listed as 6 bore in the book and is marked "6" by the proofs, but it is actually measures 8 bore (.83 caliber) as noted in Blank's records at the muzzle. The smoothbore Damascus barrel has a bead front sight, multiple bands at the transition point, and "John Manton & Son Dover Street London" signed on top in script with exaggerated tails on many of the first letters on the octagonal to polygonal breech section. The breech plug has scroll engraving and a pierced platinum plug. The standing breech is engraved with a flying duck and scroll and floral patterns. The lock has scroll and border engraving, a scene with a duck and foliage and the tiny and very rare engraver's signature "SHORMAN SC" just below and with the gun maker's signature "JNO. MANTON & SON PATENT" towards the front. The inside of the lock is initialed "SM" and serial numbered. The presence of an engraver's signature is extremely rare, and an engraver by the name of John W. Shorman is recorded in the Post Office London Directory from 1814 until 1847 at 6 Great Pulteney Street, Golden Square, London. The furniture also featured primarily scroll and floral engraving. The trigger guard bow displays a scene of a brace of floating ducks, and the trigger plate finial is a stylized pineapple motif. A scene with the brace of ducks is also featured on the heel tang. The barrel, stock, lock, and trigger guard all have the matching serial number. The stock has a dark horn forend cap, silver wedge and wrist escutcheons, a checkered wrist, and a 14 1/4 inch length of pull. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection