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Joseph Manton Coach-Length Fowler

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Shotguns Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Joseph Manton Coach-Length Fowler
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Fine Early Coach-Length Fowler, by Joseph Manton, #6390, 20 bore, 20'' brown twist barrels with rib marked ''Joseph Manton, 11 Hanover Square, London, Maker to His Majesty''; sideplates marked ''Joseph Manton/London'', with light early engraving treatment to sideplates, tang and hammers, and Stand of Arms to bottom of triggerguard. Lower tang marked with serial number 6390; bottom of barrel and breech plug marked with serial number, as well as early type London proofmarks. Fowler additionally features early copper caplock hammers, double triggers, large pineapple finial triggerguard, checkered straight grip cheekpiece English walnut stock, with additional pineapple finial at tip of forend. Small vacant silver ovoid escutcheon at top of wrist. All features are consistent with pre-Victorian production dating this piece from 1814 and built in the reign of William IV, probably converted from 1820-1825. (See page 106 of the book, entitled "The Mantons, 1782-1878", by D.H.L. Back.) Condition is fine to near excellent with light overall toning to metal surfaces, minor flattening to checks, and small scuffs and scratches to stock. Original ebony ramrod is retained. Actions function as designed, bores are clear and crisp. An extremely early uniquely featured Manton fowler, equally at home in the finest collection or museum display. Est.: $2,500-$4,000. (Antique)