doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Crash course in John Manton & Son, please

I hadn't intended to buy it, but the guns I sold averaged the upper end of their estimates, and the ones I was going to bid on were not as I'd hoped - so I had a modest warchest to tip into a nice piece. I'd wanted a nice English percussion double for a while. This was the pick of them in my range, and seemed sound (better than the one next to it anyway). Some quite advanced collectors had a look for me, and concurred.
So I sort of impulse bought a Manton! 12 bore double, percussion, no 117XX. Originally one of a pair (or possibly set), no provision for a rod (that's what the loader was paid to do!), no case etc., just the gun. It's had use, and it shows its age (but holds it well). It's still quite a pretty little gun, one I know I'll gain a lot of pleasure from keeping (owning? no, I'm just another blip in its considerable lifespan).
Because I didn't intend to try and buy it, I haven't done any research as I normally do. I do know I've got the right name on it though (English proofs and Dover st address)!
I'd appreciate any history, build dates etc if such information is available (can the Manton records be consulted anywhere?). I'd also appreciate knowing who to take it to (in SE Aust, Melbourne or nearby ideally) for attention if it's ever needed. Though I know some collectors shudder at the thought, I may shoot this one occasionally if it gets an ok from someone who knows their stuff; If a gun's not pristine or historically important I believe the attention an old gun gets from some occasional light exercise and the attendant pre- and post-firing inspection and cleaning does an old gun good. Does anyone else ever shoot anything that old?
I'll take some photos if they're wanted, but I'll need help to post them.
Thanks,
RG

Your gun would have been made in 18XX. The best source of information on the Mantons are the two books by W.Keith Neal & D. H.L. Back "The Mantons: Gunmakers" and "The Manton Supplement.
Many guns are listed by serial number in both books. A very detailed study of the Mantons.

If you send me the pictures I post them for you.

There were two Manton brothers, John was the elder and Joseph the younger. John Manton was born in 1752 and after his apprenticeship, set up in London in Piccadilly.

Manton began producing percussion guns in 1825 and Manton himself died in 1834, leaving the business in the hands of his son. During this period, only the very best quality guns were sold as ‘John Manton & Son’, the lower quality work being sold as ‘Manton’ or, later, ‘J. Manton & Co’. Among the apprentices trained in gunmaking by John Manton are famous names like: William Greener and John Blanch; and indeed, his own, more famous brother, Joseph Manton (for whom James Purdey worked as a stocker).

John Manton’s work was probably the equal of Joseph’s. Though he did not have the publicity that came with his brother’s association with Col. Peter Hawker, John Manton was certainly one of the key founders of the modern London gun trade. His business was located at 6 Dover Street, Piccadilly from 1781 until 1878.

Thanks for your replies.
As best I can date the gun going on others I've seen listed with their dates, mine is c1844 - well after John's death.
I had the locks off last night for a look (no qualms about using any old turnscrew for that; someone's already had a go before me - the slot is buggered, but the rest are good). They are initialled "GM"; may I assume that they were George Manton's initials?
I like it the more I look at it.
RG

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