doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Joseph Manton

I picked up a Joseph Manton side-lock this weekend. A very nice gun
With beautiful wood. Do any of you know if any records for this well Known maker exist?.

Joe Manton was long gone by the time sidelock (assume you are speaking of a hammerless gun) guns came along. The odds are long that your gun was made in the trade at Birmingham and retailed with the Manton name - "Manton" held brand name value for many years. Photos would be very helpful in further identification. I'm not aware of the records of the Mantons, either of them, existing. However, we may be able to give you something of a trail with some id of the gun.

Lots of Belgium "Mantons" floating around.

There are no records that I am aware of. The Internet Gun Club may be able to help a bit:
archives@internetgunclub.com


Pete

Rocketman is correct in so far as Joseph Manton is concerned. However should your gun bear the name, Manton and Co; it is legitimate because this business was aquired as a going concern in 1846 by the Wallis family .The Wallis family conducted operations in both Calcutta and in London [from 116 Jermyn Street, London]. Records show that the London business continued into the early years of the 20th;century.As a matter of interest, Burrard, in his book, "The Modern Shotgun,Vol;1" plate 5, page 38, uses an illustration of a Manton & Co; sidelock ejector to name the different parts of the gun. I have always thought that Burrard,s choice of the Manton was to avoid upsetting the London trade of the day.

Thanks Roy: This gun is top Quality in Materials and workmanship.It is marked Manton &Co
It has been Nitro Proofed in London for 1 1/8 oz loads. ejectors, 30 inch barrels choked ic and full.There is a nice leather pad I will try to find a copy of the book you mentioned. It came from the collection of someone who was much better off then me. I couldn’t touch the Purdy or H&H.There is no gold anywhere and the locks are not hand detachable. Since the screws are not turned how do you keep the locks properly lubricated.

Any pics? I've seen sideocks marked Manton & Co. These guns were built in the 1980-90s.

The trademark used to be owned by a fellow in the London area and I think he was having guns made in the trade and putting the Manton name on them.

OWD

I have some pictures and will post them when i get home from travel. If I can figure out how to download them.

Is it the Manton sidelock that's for sale at Griffin and Howe ?

The pins are in the same position. Mine doesn’t have heavily sculpted fences. Also the wood on the one I have is better and is in better condition. It has the same type of leather pad. The engraving on the one I have is different but as good or better done. I gave about half of what they are asking.