A similar shotgun from the same range, serial number 6478 from c. 1814, is pictured on after page 32 of "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Back and has the same unusual waterproofing/water draining system employed on this shotgun. It is listed in "The Manton Supplement" as a "Double Barrel 14 Bore Shotgun Cased" with flintlocks, 32 inch barrels (length with the plugs) with the same rib marking and "CL" on the bottom (no proofs) and as from the B. Hayley collection in the U.S. It is further noted as "fitted with gravitating stops and a cavity for the escape of water through the breeching. The hammer of the right lock has been refaced. The touch-holes are lined with platinum." The elevated and slightly concave rib at the breech has angled slots on each side that funnel water down through a cavity and out a slot through the trigger guard finial. The frizzens also have fences to direct water away from the pans and towards the gutters of the pans to keep the powder dry. Its an interesting and rather complex solution to the known difficulty of keeping flintlocks functional in wet weather which is especially prevalent in the British Isles. The rib also has a small front sight and some martial trophy engraving at the breech and is signed "Joseph Manton's NEW Improvements by His MAJESTY'S PATENT." The flat beveled locks are signed "JOSEPH MANTON-/LONDON" and have scroll and martial engraving on the cocks and stepped tails and light floral engraving on the borders. The upper tang and most of the furniture are also engraved with a mix of floral and martial motifs. The stock has a smooth forend, silver wedge and wrist escutcheons, checkered wrist, and a 14 1/4 inch length of pull. The takedown case has a flat folding handle on the lid around a blank central escutcheon, a Joseph Manton trade label inside the lid, modern mainspring vice, flint wallet with spare flints, powder flask with stag and oak leaf designs, leather shot flask, takedown cleaning rod, brushes, turn-screws, and "15" marked punch. Provenance: Firearms for Freedom Collection

Good with 30% of the older rebrowned finish remaining on the barrels mixed with gray and brown patina and distinct twist patterns, bright platinum vent liners, light traces of original case colors on the breeches and locks, gray patina on the balance, some minor pitting, distinct markings and engraving, dark aged patina on the silver escutcheons and gravitating stops, and mild overall wear. The stock is good and has a small repair at the tail of the left lock, a pinned repaired chip above the nose of the lock that has come partially loose again, slivers absent from the edges of the forend, partially smoothed but distinct checkering, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The case is also fine and has moderate age and storage related wear, including moderate foxing of the trade label, some cracks, and absent key hole plate. The accessories are generally very fine.