Help to identify this old English shotgun.(Picture heavy)
- Thread starter haim
- Start date
Good photos!
Looks to be a moderate quality English gun. The J Manton probably has nothing to do with the famous Manton family. Just for marketing.
It appears that the lug through which the wedge passes has been relocated. This suggests that the barrels are replacements, taken from another gun.
Looks to be a moderate quality English gun. The J Manton probably has nothing to do with the famous Manton family. Just for marketing.
It appears that the lug through which the wedge passes has been relocated. This suggests that the barrels are replacements, taken from another gun.
That is what was thinking also. The upper rib doesn't appear to mate up with the receiver quite right - which would also indicate the possibility of a replacement set of bbls.
It might or might not be shootable. There would need to be very careful examination of the barrels, nipples, etc. I test fire antiques by sandbagging them down, and pulling the trigger with a string. Around here, I think the gun would bring $150 - $200.
I shoot this one with an ounce of shot and equal volume of F or FF powder. It is 14ga.
I shoot this one with an ounce of shot and equal volume of F or FF powder. It is 14ga.
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The barrels definitely have London proofs, so English origin. And the loop has indeed been very crudely moved rearward as if to mate up to a different stock. Assume the barrels are from one gun, the remainder from another. The fit of the rib at the rear is normal, this allows the right barrel breech plug ( left on the picture) to be removed first, followed by the left one. The inscription on the top rib is suspect, any British maker associated with the famous name Manton such as Manton and Company would also include the business address and would not normally include the wording London Fine Twist. This is exactly the type of wording used on cheap Belgian knockoffs made for sale outside Britain to gullible settlers worldwide, mostly in North America. The overall original quality shown is very shabby in comparison to Tiriaq's gun, condition not withstanding, it may have been pieced together and sold as a trade gun destined for a native in some far off land.
Shoot it? To start with, note two deep dents or gouges across the right barrel just ahead of where the loop was originally. Not good. If you can get the breech plugs out you can really scrub the bores and then get some idea of condition but if the rust pitting in places on the outside of the gun that is easy to care for is any indication, the inside has been severely neglected. You like your fingers, hands, eyes as they are? This is the perfect definitive wallhanger, complete, cosmetically pleasant, interesting and not safe to use. If you insist that it must go bang, load a stout load, tie 'er down, hide behind a barrier and pull the triggers with a loooong string. I guess at worst you will have destroyed an old dangerous clunker, at best you will be able to say I shot it .....once. Look elsewhere for a regular shooter.
Shoot it? To start with, note two deep dents or gouges across the right barrel just ahead of where the loop was originally. Not good. If you can get the breech plugs out you can really scrub the bores and then get some idea of condition but if the rust pitting in places on the outside of the gun that is easy to care for is any indication, the inside has been severely neglected. You like your fingers, hands, eyes as they are? This is the perfect definitive wallhanger, complete, cosmetically pleasant, interesting and not safe to use. If you insist that it must go bang, load a stout load, tie 'er down, hide behind a barrier and pull the triggers with a loooong string. I guess at worst you will have destroyed an old dangerous clunker, at best you will be able to say I shot it .....once. Look elsewhere for a regular shooter.
Speaking about shooting an antique, how about this one?
Belgian gun. Average quality when new. Left somewhere to rust, end to end. Even coat of rust, no real pitting.
When the gun was put aside to rust, it was in nice clean condition. Every screw, and the nipples, turned out without excessive force or difficulty. The bores were clean when the gun was abandoned. Light polishing, and they have shine, with very minor pits. Note the condition of the checkering; the gun was not carried much. Hammer notches are crisp and positive. Back in the day, the gun was used very little.
I think it is a shooter, and have used it. Doesn't look like much, but is a sound, solid gun.
Belgian gun. Average quality when new. Left somewhere to rust, end to end. Even coat of rust, no real pitting.
When the gun was put aside to rust, it was in nice clean condition. Every screw, and the nipples, turned out without excessive force or difficulty. The bores were clean when the gun was abandoned. Light polishing, and they have shine, with very minor pits. Note the condition of the checkering; the gun was not carried much. Hammer notches are crisp and positive. Back in the day, the gun was used very little.
I think it is a shooter, and have used it. Doesn't look like much, but is a sound, solid gun.
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gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Yes, outward appearance doesn't always mean a gun is a wall hanger. There are several factors to take into account to deem a gun still safe to shoot. Of course deep pitting, externally or internally, is an obvious indicator. By the photos of the last gun pictured, it is quite likely safe to use unless the bores were honed a fair bit. Bore measurement and wall thickness readings will help decide that.
Bores haven't been honed at all. Not needed. Just lightly polished. Bores are much better than the exterior. They must have been cleaned, and left with some oil after last use. Same thing with the nipple threads. Like many Belgian guns, the barrel walls are a bit heavier than similar English guns.
When the gun was left to rust, it was in really nice shape. Its appearance is a shame, but functionally it is fine.
When the gun was left to rust, it was in really nice shape. Its appearance is a shame, but functionally it is fine.
