William Aston of Manchester, England, was active c. 1770-1826. This attractive shotgun would date towards the later end of that range. The advanced locks are signed "ASTON" in gold ovals and have floral and bird engraving and gold lined "waterproof" pans, and the barrel rib is marked "MANCHESTER" and has a small blade front sight. The under side of the barrels and breeches have Tower private proofs, and "IB TWISTED" is also marked on the bottom of each barrel. The patent breeches have gold vent liners and a gold dog and bird scene. The standing breech has a dished rear sight. The ramrod entry pipe/forend cap and barrel key escutcheons are silver, and the silver wrist escutcheon has an unknown engraved crest. The iron furniture has coordinating engraving consisting of mostly floral patterns along with some pastoral designs. The baleen ramrod has a horn tip. The stock has fine checkering on the forend and wrist and a shadow-line cheekpiece.

Very good with smooth refinished brown finish and distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrels, some minor pitting concentrated on the breech ends of the barrels, nearly all of the gold remaining, gray and brown patina on the balance, some oxidation/pitting on the trigger guard and buttplate, crisp markings and engraving, and general minor wear. There is some insect damage on the horn ramrod tip. The stock is fine and has some discreet repairs at the edges of the forend, sharp checkering, a crack at the nose of the left lock, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.