Serial number 7623 is listed in W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, "The Manton Supplement", p. 65, as a 16 bore double barrel shotgun from 1820 with 30 inch barrels and "1819" inscribed on the silver wrist escutcheon. This shotgun is also noted as owned by "N. Blank, U.S.A." The barrel length listed in the book includes the patent breeches, and the bore listed in the book is incorrect. The Damascus barrels have a concave rib with a bead front sight, "John Manton & Son Dover Street" signed at the breech end, platinum-lined and banded patent breeches with sunburst engraving on the rib that extends onto the breech end of the barrel rib. The engraved standing breech has a grooved rear sight. The locks each have John Manton's rainproof priming-pan and frizzen covered by patent No. 3942 from July 21, 1815, and include the platinum powder dividing bar. The engraved locks are signed “John Manton & Son/PATENT” and the frizzens are each signed "JNO MANTON & SON/PATENT", and have large rollers on the frizzen springs, stepped tails, and beveled edges. The steel mounts have coordinating engraving as well as stylized pineapple finials. The trigger-guard is squared off at the front. The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver. The varnished figured walnut stock has a checkered wrist. With green baize lined fitted mahogany case with Manton trade label and some later loading and maintenance equipment. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very good with a period re-browned finish and dark aged patina along the barrels with light maker signature, mostly dark gray and brown patina on the locks and mounts, aged patina on the silver, sharp and distinct markings and engraving. The very good stock has softened checkering, attractive figure, small divots and dings, a repaired crack above the nose of the lock on the right, a substantial chip visible on the left at the nose, and an old blanking screw to the underside of the butt where a sling swivel mount was once fitted. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are worn with some age and storage related wear, the case lid and partitions becoming loose. Manton double barrel shotguns were among the very best in the late flintlock era and continue to be highly sought after by collectors today.