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. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

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.