Awww, I kinda think it's a nice looking gun! But then, you haven't seen what I took to the prom!

Realy though, I like the lines and think it a nice looking gun, but I bet that underlever is a bear.
Merwin

I like it.  Very sleek.  The lever seems out of place, but the rest of the rifle is beautiful in my opinion.   

A different lever and perhaps an ebony pistol grip added in just the right way could really make this rifle a stunner.   

But that aside, is it a well designed, strong, and fast action; and does it shoot well?

Is it particularly expensive (to by an original or to make a modern copy)?

Will it handle most cartridges or are there limitations do to geometry or strength?

It reminds me of a Peabody - which I also like.  Imagine that.   

Thanks,
Brent

I have not shot the rifle. I am not qualified to say if the action is either well designed or strong. This rifle is in 577 Snider calibre. I do not know what other calibres it would handle. As far as I know it is the only rifle of this type known. I would love to hear of any other Joseph Manton - Montreal firearms.

Ugly up close.

You might try the double guns forum.  I think I have seen them mention Manton over there, and I don't mean the British Manton.  The Canadian one I believe also made double guns also.  I could be wrong, but I've heard of this guy somewhere, and think you can find a knowledgeable person there. 

I'd be curious what a rifle like that might cost - it seems to be in great condition.

the website is (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links), and they have been very good about tolerating off topic questions like this.


Brent

The rifle is has a rather classic look about it - except for the lever.

It looks like the rifle illustrated by J. Kirton in "THE BRITISH FALLING BLOCK BREECHLOADING RIFLEFROM 1865" on pages 75 and 77.  The chapter on this rifle consists of four pages and includes patent drawings on page 76 and a patrtial page of text on page 77.  A copy of the pre-amble to the British patent starts the chapter.  For those interested, the U.S. patent number is 117552 and was assigned to Joseph Manton on August 1, 1871 

Acording to Kirton, two of these rifles are known, both with Brimingham proof marks.  Both are alike except for the length of the underlever.  Manufacture is thought to be British (Brimingham).

Am wondering if this rifle was at one time in the collection of a Mr. A. Moorcroft of the Yukon, Nelson and then the Slocan Valley.

Bill

It ain't a Comblain, so it can't be all that ugly!