Manufactured by the famous Joseph Manton, the more innovative of the Manton brothers, this gun is listed by W. Keith Neal & D.H.L. Back in their book “The Mantons: Gunmakers” (p. 283) when at the time of publication (1967) it was noted as being in the possession of “G.W. Ford, U.S.A.”. Originally this gun’s serial number range was dated to 1837 before being reassessed as 1836 in the subsequent publication “The Manton Supplement” also by Neal & Back. With browned Damascus two stage round barrels with larger diameter reinforced breech section, and concave rib with bead front sight and signed “JOSEPH MANTON, & SON. 6 HOLLES STREET, CAVANDISH SQUARE, LONDON”. Casehardened patent breeches each with pierced platinum plug and engraved with rococo ornament on the rib section. Border and scroll engraved standing breech, sidelocks each signed “JOSEPH MANTON & SON”, and furniture including trigger plate with pineapple finial, trigger guard and buttplate. The underside of the barrels with London proof marks and barrel maker’s mark “TE” for Thomas Evans. Well-figured 14 3/8 inch straight hand half length stock with checkered grip, the wrist inset with a blank silver rectangular initial escutcheon. With brass mounted ramrod with worm. In fitted mahogany case lined in green baize, the lid with printed trade label of Joseph Manton. With some accessories including powder and shot flask, a brass shot measure and a pewter oiler. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine as refinished. The barrels retaining 95% of their older rebrowned finish, signature softened. Breeches retaining 20% faded original casehardened finish, engraving sharp. Standing breech, locks and furniture mostly a light grey patina with some scattered discoloration and shallow surface corrosion marking, engraving clear. The trigger plate retains traces of original casehardened finish where sheltered by the trigger guard. Stock has well-defined checkering and numerous age related storage and handling marks throughout, the left edge of the forearm with very minor chips, the right edge missing a thin sliver of wood between the lock and the barrel key, and a chip at the toe. Mechanically excellent. Case externally refinished, some repaired cracks to the lid and the locking latches have been replaced. Lining with some wear and staining, evidence some partitions have been moved and re-glued. Trade label holed, stained and torn.