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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10 |
I have read a lot on this forum about the J. Manton doubles and realize there is some ambiguity about dates, who and where made. I have come across 12 Ga in great shape but am unsure of value and markings. (See links to Photos) The nitro proof marks appear to be more modern (after 1954) but not sure. The older marks I thing are 1900ish. It's also marked "Scott Thad" which I believe means he acquired it after 1973. The barrel bores are excellent (maybe been honed) and it is very tight. Stock in very good condition with no cracks or severe dings. Can't tell the choke. I can't tell whether the barrels are Damascus or not. Any help in information on the gun would be greatly appreciated. It's in the $900 range and I'm interested in shooting it, not as a wall hanger. [img] https://www.dropbox.com/s/kfwwbxqib844lre/20170401_124235.jpg?dl=0[/img] [img] https://www.dropbox.com/s/7otoocpq1k6guv8/20170401_124307.jpg?dl=0[/img] Thanx for the help
Last edited by Blackwatch42nd; 04/01/17 08:06 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,203 Likes: 442
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,203 Likes: 442 |
That looks to be a Thadd Scott Spezial.
Cheers,
Raimey
rse
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,820 Likes: 490
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,820 Likes: 490 |
The barrels are stub twist.
The original proof marks on the barrels are pre-1875.
It was reproved (nitro proved) 1989-2005 (BAR and bore in mm) prior to importation by Thad Scott Fine Guns in Indianola, MS. Thad was a well respected dealer who died in 2009.
The bores should be 18.2 mm = 0.716 at 9". They were originally .710 - .716.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10 |
Drew,
Thanx for the quick reply. Do you think this gun is worth the $900? I've seen prices ranging for a "J. Manton" from $100 to $5000. I realize a lot depends on whether it's a real "J. Manton" and condition, but generally speaking and from what you can see from the limited photos and info you have, what's a guess?
Thanx again.
John W.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,820 Likes: 490
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,820 Likes: 490 |
John: it is certainly a J. Manton Birmingham, not a Belgian knock-off. Hopefully one of our British correspondents, or Bro. Larry, can confirm the proof marks. Without knowing the bore measurements ie. that it has not been honed since proving, no estimate of value can be made. The 70mm chambers are very likely not original, but a modification prior to re-proof. Wish we could know the history of the barrels from c. 1875 to arrival in the U.S. 1875 is early in the top-lever opener era. https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/articles/462-2/
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115 |
Yes, recent 2 3/4" (70mm.) Birmingham nitro re-proof marks. Should be good to go with most modern ammo (except magnums and steel loads of course). Good shooting gun. Lagopus.....
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10 |
Drew & Lagopus,
Thanx for the additional info. I've committed to the purchase and will pick up tomorrow. I'll have the bores measured but I believe the honing was done before the proof. I have some of the history of the gun, and don't know for sure, it's just a feeling I have.
One point of clarification. The name on the lock is "J. Manton". I've seen several references to "J. Manton & Co.". Is there a difference?
Once I've got more info, I'll update this thread and post more pictures.
Thanx again for all the help and info.
John W.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115 |
Before it could be accepted for proof all the flaws would have to be ironed out so the bores would be free of pits prior to proof and tight on the face. Looks like you have a good hammer gun that is a shooter and suitable for modern ammo. Enjoy using it. I still often shoot with hammer guns. You might enjoy Diggory Haddoke's book called 'Hammer Guns'. Lagopus.....
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,071
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,071 |
Looks like you got yourself a fine looking ole hammer gun. Enjoy!
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