Stepped - briefly - out of the Parker box when a Canadian under lever hammer gun came up at auction recently. Hammer guns are my weakness and even though the piggy bank is badly broken couldn't resist a Hail Mary bid. (particularly as it was in Canadian dollars). Trying to tell myself it was good that I missed a couple Parkers I would have gone for if I was at the auction (internet bidding is both good / bad) but probably ended up saved from the feared spousal wrath.
12 gauge, 30" Damascus, LOP 14 1/8, locks up tight without the fore end, bores look almost too good. To me I believe it could be an older restoration (case color under the lever etc.) that has since been worn in and developed a patina - but the fit is all good.
Can't find out too much about this maker listed from 1859-1906 in Montreal but apparently no connection to the noted Manton family of London.
"Joseph Manton was born in Birmingham, England on March 10, 1830. He moved to Montreal, Quebec sometime in 1859. He had a brother, William Shakespeare Manton, born December 17, 1816 who moved to Kingston, Ontario sometime before 1844. Both men made firearms in Canada, but I believe Joseph was the only one to hold a patent for firearms."
Interestingly the gun's serial numbers are clearly 2352 on barrels, receiver and fore end but the trigger guard is definitely 2332. Mistake? One more clue to it not being original?
Looks like it was a decent gun in it's day, it's my only Canadian hammer gun, and I am certainly enjoying it!
Would love to know when it was actually made. Any info greatly appreciated.
Joseph Manton Montreal Under Lever 12
Threaded Mode