Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, possibly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with J. MANTON & CO., with some line engraving around the edges. The Manton family were prolific gunsmiths in the London Area. JOHN MANTON was one of England's finest gunsmiths in the early part of the 19th Century, as was his brother JOSEPH, who would mentor several famous mid 19th Century gunsmiths. Joseph Manton and Sons were one of London's foremost Gun Makers that opened in 1795 and ceased trading in 1877. They operated stores in both London and Calcutta, the former of which is probably where this example was made, and then retailed in England or the U.S.
The barrel strap still has a clear marking near the breech:
LONDON FINE TWIST
It indicates that the barrel is "damascus" forged, resulting in a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. The finish on the barrels is faded, but the spiral forging lines are still readily apparent. The bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and a 13 marking, indicating "13 bore" or about .710". This is a rarely seen cartridge today, but at the time it was relatively popular, and we have seen other period examples in the same chambering. There are additional markings as well, such as the specifications on the "choke" of the barrels. The shotgun is also serial number marked with 8488 on the bottom of the barrel, on the fitting for the fore stock, and on the top of the receiver inside the hinge joint.
This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 13 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing much handling but not much actual use. It has a great checkered "pistol grip" style butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads.
The action still functions correctly, with ejection and dry firing. The rear stock has some lovely curl, and has a very nice gutta percha butt stock pad, which is embossed with a stag's head. Unfortunately it is now missing the bottom two inches. We checked the bore, and it is bright and shiny, showing very little use.
A very nice antique hammer shotgun, ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: about .710" 13 gauge / bore - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammer
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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