Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting British-made Double Barreled "Tube Lock" shotgun, faintly marked on both lock plates with John Manton & Son / PATENT, with some simple engraved designs on the tail areas. The Manton family were prolific gunsmiths in the London Area. JOHN MANTON was one of England's finest gunsmiths in the early part of the 19th Century, as was his younger brother JOSEPH, who would mentor several famous mid 19th Century gunsmiths. These included James Purdey, Thomas Boss, William Greener, Charles Lancaster, and William Moore, all of whom would found their own firms, some of which are still in existence today.

John Manton and Son are recorded as working at No.6, Dover Street in London during the approximate period 1790-1839. While not as famous as the firm started by his younger brother, they still produced many fine guns and innovations, including a "waterproof lock" design, which involved having a good sealing frizzen over the pan, as well as "gutters" that directed water around the pan and over the locks.

This shotgun definitely looks to originally have had that style of lock, however it was retrofitted during the early-mid 19th century with a "Tube Lock" system, of sorts, where a pellet or small container of primer was struck by the hammer and would then ignite the charge inside the barrel. This was a forerunner of the cap lock system, and only really existed for a short period of time, as the percussion caps and the associated ignition system were fare more reliable as well as easier to manufacture. Of note is that one of the main developers of the "Tube Lock" in England was John's brother Joseph, so it may have been converted by either brother. This would have involved replacement of both the hammer and the frizzen, as well as modification of the flash pan to be compatible with the tube lock primers. Definitely some very interesting aspects to this gun.

The barrel strap still has a clear stamped marking on the top:

John Manton & Son DOVER STREET

There is no marking on the barrel indicating the style of forging used, but we can still see the faint spiral pattern from laminated type forging, very common during the early 19th century. Twist forging using old nails, stubs, or other older items was a great way to get stronger steel during the pre-industrial days.

The barrel wedge removes somewhat easily, and bottom of each barrel is marked with serial number 6552, which matches the number stamped on the top of the stock under the barrel assembly. The barrel serial is surrounded by the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers Proof" and CROWN / V "Viewed" markings from the London Gun Company proof house. However, below these are also the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the Birmingham proof house. We have not really seen a shotgun with barrel markings from both major British proof houses before. There is also not any bore size marking, but with the muzzle being about .68", we assume these are 16 gauge, and not 

This very interesting DOUBLE BARREL 15 bore Tube Lock Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is finely checkered for a better grip, though it is definitely worn now. The shotgun's fittings are all of iron except for the nickel silver barrel wedge escutcheons, and the small plaque on the back of the wrist. There is intricate engraving on most of the metalwork, however years of use and cleaning have unfortunately made it faint. Both locks are fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. There is a ramrod under the barrel, but it is a working life wood replacement with a brass cap.

This is a very interesting fowling piece by a famous London maker, and would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1820-1830 - converted later
Caliber: 15 Bore / Gauge - about 0.68
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.