Manton shotgun

[moediggz]

My girlfriend recently purchased a shotgun for my birthday from an antique place. I am trying to figure out if it is an authentic manton shotgun and get an idea of what it is worth. If anyone can help me out it would be awesome
http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-4.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-3.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-2.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-1.jpg

 

[Dphar]

My girlfriend recently purchased a shotgun for my birthday from an antique place. I am trying to figure out if it is an authentic manton shotgun and get an idea of what it is worth. If anyone can help me out it would be awesome
http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-4.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-3.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-2.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-1.jpg[/quote]

Photos of any markings and of the action and locks etc would be a help.

Dan

 

[Lorne Johnson]

My old eyes aren't resolving the proof marks very well, and the picture of the whole gun is inconclusive.

To me it appears to be a back action breech-loader with a prince-of-wales grip and an after-market recoil pad. If it is inscribed John Manton on the barrels, I would guess that it is an Indian John Manton made after his son's death when the company name was bought. If so, it's not an expensive gun (as in five figures), but they were solid working guns. And, your girl friend shows a lot more class (and gun savy) than any of my girl friends ever did!

 

[moediggz]

thanks for the help and complements guys here are some more pics that hopefully help.
http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-4-1.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-3-1.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-1-1.jpg http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee491/moediggz1/photo-2-1.jpg

 

[JV Puleo]

Its nowhere near good enough to be a real Manton, not to mention that both the great Mantons, John and Joe, were long dead when that gun was made. The John Manton firm continued on well into the 20th century but I do not think that is one of their guns... A typical Birmingham-made trade quality gun with a specious famous name.

 

[moediggz]

manure well I guess I'm gonna have to dump my girlfriend. I told her you get me a real Manton or its over!

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Unfortunately, you have a fake Manton with Birmingham made and proofed barrels. It looks to be pretty well made and certainly not junk but it was made long after John or Joseph Manton were dead. It was definitely not made by any of their decendants either. I hope she didn't pay much for it.

Sorry,

dave

 

[vtbuck223]

It may not be a Manton...but it's not a bad looking gun...I would rethink the girlfriend...she sounds like a keeper to me. And now she has to make it up to you for getting the fake Manton.....Hmmmmmmmmm....I'd say you come out on top any way you look at it.

 

[Lorne Johnson]

That's a hard post to improve on! (Not unlike the girl friend.)

For what it's worth . . . Joseph and John Manton guarded their trademarks (names) pretty aggressively. They used their full names on their guns (partly to distinguish between them), and put the current address of the firm with them on the barrels. They also put serial numbers on all major parts, and some minor ones (the butt plate for example). Original proofs marks would be London.

Of course, neither brother lived to the breech loader era. Joseph died in 1839 and his business was taken over by Joseph Egg (Durs Egg's nephew), who used his own name. John's business was taken over by his son, John, and the name was sold at his death. The buyer used the full John Manton name, since he bought it.

J. Manton and W. Richards are common incursions on famous name trademarks (Belgian and Birmingham). There are plenty of well made Belgian and Birmingham guns, and yours rather looks like one.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Your girlfriend bought it for you.
It is priceless.

 

[nit wit]

I'll trade you a Manton for your girlfriend!
Nit Wit :grin:

 

[Jblk]

If you play your cards right you could have a gold mine.Go out and get her a nice bp gun and get her shooting.After you chase her long enough for her to catch you, you will already have a leg up on everybody else.Can you imagine how many nice guns you will be able to collect togather in a long marriage?

 

[50cal.cliff]

manure well I guess I'm gonna have to dump my girlfriend. I told her you get me a real Manton or its over!

That's OK son just send the shotgun to me and let the girlfriend go, you don't deserve her. :idunno: :hmm:

I've been married 33 yrs and you know how many guns the wife has bought for me. One and its a Lyman GPR so she's a keeper in my book! :haha: