High Quality English Fowling Piece by Joseph Manton, London (AS7)

High quality english fowling piece by Joseph Manton, London. The overall length is 55½” and the octagon to round barrel is 38⅞”. The 17” octagon portion terminates in a nicely done ½” wide wedding band. The barrel has London proofs on the bottom. The top of the barrel has a sunken gold oval with “Manton/London”. The lock is marked “Manton” in the center. The finely-engraved breech tang features a dog. The barrel has a smooth finish which retains much of its Damascus style finish. The lock has a smooth gray patina. The trigger guard, which has a repair at the rear bow, has a nicely-engraved pineapple on its forward finial. The approximately .78 caliber smooth-bore barrel has a very good bore. Stock is very good with no chips or cracks. It is marked “L/20” on the right side of the butt. Wrist has the correct style English checkering. The horsehair-filled, leather covered cheek piece is in good condition for its age. The leather has age cracks and there is an approximately ¾” through which the horse hair can be seen. The original cleaning rod is present. Action functions correctly. Joseph Manton, along with his brother John, are considered the founders of the modern London gun trade. This fowler is a great example of Joseph Manton’s skills as a gunmaker.