Help identifying a Manton and Co double rifle

[gdawg]

Hi Folks - Came across this one and can't find anything on it. It is a 40 bore with damascus barrels. London and Calcutta. Can anyone point me in the right direction, or share knowledge? Much appreciated.

Looks like a Calisher and Terry action.

 

[WR1894]

Is there a serial number on the rifle. i have a set of Manton books and there may be some information. I believe that the family of John Manton had the London and Calcutta address.
I have another book around here that shows a double rifle on the same action but don't remember which book, i have to do some looking
John

 

[BlackPowderBurner]

That is a gorgeous rifle. Definitely a Terry system breech and a double no less! My Calcutta Manton & Co catalogue is dated 1926, such actions had long gone out of fashion by that time. Some more photos would be nice. Good find.

 

[gdawg]

Is there a serial number on the rifle. i have a set of Manton books and there may be some information. I believe that the family of John Manton had the London and Calcutta address.
I have another book around here that shows a double rifle on the same action but don't remember which book, i have to do some looking
John

Thanks. I'll take another look.

 

[gdawg]

That is a gorgeous rifle. Definitely a Terry system breech and a double no less! My Calcutta Manton & Co catalogue is dated 1926, such actions had long gone out of fashion by that time. Some more photos would be nice. Good find.

Here are a couple other pics. It is quite a nice package, engraving, workmanship etc.

From what I gather these actions stopped being produced and used in the 1860s or so and could not be converted to use cartridges unlike other transitional actions of the time.

 

[WR1894]

In the Manton books there isn't a lot of information on the Manton Co. It comment is that this company wasn't tied to John or Joseph Manton and was started in around 1846. The 40 bore caliper became a popular caliber in the late 1850's and Purdey helped the popularity of it with his early 2 groove express rifles. I have a Charles Lancaster oval bore dated 1856 in 40 bore and a Purdey express 2 groove rifle dated 1860 also 40 bore. But both of these are muzzle loading
But that is a very nice rifle and would be fun to get shooting. Have you had the barrels out of the stock to look at the proof marks?

 

[gdawg]

Thanks that is helpful. I had not found much on the 40 bore. Most info I found related to the C&T action was for the 30. I have yet to remove the stock. Will post the marks when I do.