Manufactured in circa 1815, this rare Joseph Manton gun once formed part of the famous W. Keith Neal Collection and is listed in Neal & Back, “The Mantons: Gunmakers” (1st. edition, 1966), on page 260 as a single barrel 14 bore shotgun with 32 inch barrel, London proof marks, platinum lined touch hole and Joseph Manton’s stamp at the breech. Joseph Manton, favored gun maker of Peter Hawker (author of "Instructions to Young Sportsmen"), was the younger brother of John Manton. Considered to be more innovative than John, his business acumen was not as acute and he was declared bankrupt and imprisoned for debt. He is recorded at 11 Hannover Square between 1819 and 1826. Browned damascus twist octagonal/polygonal to round two stage barrel with silver front sight. The barrel struck with London proof marks. Patent breech with platinum lined maker’s mark “JOSEPH MANTON PATENT”, platinum inlaid line and platinum lined touch hole. Scroll engraved standing breech and flat lock engraved with a trophy, sunburst, border line of running stylized foliage and signed “JOSEPH MANTON LONDON”, with rainproof priming pan, and frizzen marked “JOSEPH MANTON PATENT” with roller. Trigger plate engraved with a pineapple finial, blued trigger guard and blued butt plate each engraved with a large martial trophy. Well figured straight hand half stock with checkered grip and horn cap to the forearm. The forearm with silver barrel key escutcheons, the wrist inset with a blank silver initial escutcheon. Brass mounted ramrod with worm. In original mahogany fitted case lined in green baize, the lid with printed Joseph Manton trade label, with some accessories including powder flask, leather shot belt, mainspring clamp and wad punch.

Barrel retaining 98% rebrowned finish, no makers signature, breech over tightened and a dull light grey patina. Standing breech and lock a dull grey patina, engraving to lock clear but softened, top jaw and screw expertly replaced. Trigger guard and butt plate each retaining 40% original blued finish, engraving generally clear. Stock with some age related handling marks, checkering possibly refreshed. Old repair in front of lock. Case generally in good condition, lining with some staining, label with some age staining. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.