Hi. Had to chance to pick up a shell of a shotgun, as it had James H. Merrill's stamp on the lockplates. Photos are located on my James H. Merrill tribute site, in this folder - Merrill Shotgun - Willoughbyforme . If anyone has example shotguns that are matches, I'd love to see what you have. I've scoured the web these past few weeks, and came up with one early Manton (on the lockplates) with the exact same metal forend pattern. Also, I've found another Manton from a recent IMA-USA sale with the exact same crosshatch pattern on the grip behind the rectangular brass piece. Anyone with knowledge to share, please contact me. Also looking for any parts to complete/restore this old beauty. Measurements are on my shotgun page, just click the Read More link. Any way to slowly and safely peal back the layers of aging on the trigger guard? Tried tiny, tiny amounts of acetone and liquid sandpaper without effect. Thanks, Eric.
Photo below from the gunauction link (https://classic.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8422515) matches my forend pattern exactly (need login credentials).
Mine...
Breech area/grip pattern of the IMA-USA link (Original British 12 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by Manton of London - circa 1840) matches mine exactly.
Mine...
Photo below from the gunauction link (https://classic.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8422515) matches my forend pattern exactly (need login credentials).
Mine...
Breech area/grip pattern of the IMA-USA link (Original British 12 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by Manton of London - circa 1840) matches mine exactly.
Mine...