J. Manton 8 gauge

[David Noble]

Can anyone here tell me a ballpark value of a J. Manton 8 ga double? It is a basic grade gun with less than moderate engraving. The proof marks all appear to be British or English. The barrels are Twist steel and
35 3/4" and appear to have been cut. There is still some choke left in the barrels that I estimate at .015 and .025, so about imp.cyl and light modified. The barrels are shiny but have some light freckling inside. No deep pitting etc.
The left hammer spindle is wobbly and the right hammer has had the ear rewelded. The gun locks up tight and on face. LOP is 15" with steel buttplate with spur. Wood is walnut but not figured. Over all the gun looks presentable and shoot able as is.
Will anyone venture a ball park value? The seller is asking $3000.

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, David

[charlie cleveland]

a manton gun is of very good quality...it being a 8 ga i would say that it is worth the 3000...any 8 ga will bring a big premium over a 10 ga...charlie

[David Noble]

Thanks for the feedback Charlie. I haven't decided to make an offer yet. I'm at the Tulsa Wannamacher gun show. The seller was an individual. He may have sold the gun already but I have his contact info and will call him later if I decide to make an offer.
There are lots of Parker's here! Some at reasonable prices.
One vendor had two GH 12ga Damascus guns. Both 30" barrels. One was all original and on a 1 1/2 frame with 14" LOP for $1350. The other was a 2 frame with shortened stock. LOP was 13.5" total with a 5/8" thick LC Smith Trap Gun buttplate for $1000.
Also saw the pictured LC Smith 10ga on an 8ga size frame. Chamber walls are 5/16" thick! Barrels 32" but no choke. Frame appears to be nickeled. Asking price of $1050.

[charlie cleveland]

thanks for the report..sounds like a fellow could get some good buys ..the lc smith sounds good except for the chokes..i like those big frame guns...charlie

[Mark Ouellette]

Also saw the pictured LC Smith 10ga on an 8ga size frame. Chamber walls are 5/16" thick! Barrels 32" but no choke. Frame appears to be nickeled. Asking price of $1050.

Wow! I would have bought that Smith just because it is pretty unique! Amy chance it could have been sleeved from a 8 to 10 gauge?

Mark

[Mills Morrison]

I'm on a tight leash where gun buying is concerned, but that Elsie is tempting. It seems I remember that some were made on really heavy frames

[David Noble]

The LC Smith was very tempting, but not what Im on the hunt for. I'll get the sellers info in case any one here is interested.
Update: I've got the sellers contact info if anyone is interested. Send me a PM.
Here's another picture or two.
These are ten gauge chambers!

[Mark Ouellette]

The LC Smith was very tempting, but not what Im on the hunt for. I'll get the sellers info in case any one here is interested.

David,

Yes, please do!

Mark

[wayne goerres]

Any English double at that price point is a very good buy.

[David Noble]

Another shot of the Smith.

[David Noble]

Last picture.
Contact me by PM if you would like the sellers contact info.

[Mark Ouellette]

David,

Thanks for the Elsie photos! PM sent.

The J. Manton 8 gauge was likely made inn Belgium and proofed in Birmingham as was the practice at the time. Manton and Co. marked guns were British and among the finest of the flintlock era.

From: http://thedales.org.uk/joseph-manton-shotgun-maker/

From SHOT-GUNS their History and Development – by Major Hugh B.C. Pollard 1925

"The best British makers towards the end of the eighteenth century were Egg and Twigg, but they were rapidly surpassed by the genius Joseph Manton, who was born in 1764 and died bankrupt in 1835, after an amazing career in which expensive litigation absorbed all his profits."

[David Noble]

The same seller has this Ithaca 10 $500.

[Milton Starr]

Those are some fine 10 bores ! ive seen only a few 10 ga on 8 ga frames , its been awhile though . And like Charlie said just about any 8 gauge will sale for a good price .

[charlie cleveland]

would be tempting to turn that 10 ga into a eight ga. charlie

[Eldon Goddard]

It amazes me how little flues go for. I think Rodney Dangerfield would say "the flues gets no respect, no respect at all."
Mark if you get the elsie your going to post more pictures for us right.

[Milton Starr]

Charlie brad B is going to be boring 10 ga with enough wall thickness to 8 ga so its possible . though id only do that with one of those Spanish 10 bores .

Eldon http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=407461216

[Milton Starr]

this one looks really heavy http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=406899654