You indicate this was owned by Dr. Mann.  Can you say when he owned it ?  Any story connected with it ?

The rams horn decorations on your buttstock and forend are signatures of Floyd Butler, a very talented gunsmith from Vermont. Nice rifle!

I purchased this rifle from a collector in Westwood Mass. He bought it at auction in Canton Mass 40+ years ago where it was advertised as being previously owned by Dr. Mann. There are no markings on the barrel that has a right hand twist and chambered in what appears to be a shortened 45-70. Cases needed to be trimmed .030. I also received a copy of the Mann family album but could not find a photo of him with this particular rifle.

I am with Creedmore on this one.

Boats

C. Patt of Alma Wisconsin used Swiss Tainer Martini actions in the 1880s. I think John Meunier of Milwaukee may have have used some also. 

The swivels are for carrying the rifle to and from the range not for shooting.

Cheers,
Laurie

Sling swivels were often added at some point, and in this case may not have been on the rifle initially. But even if they are original, I they wouldn't concern me as to whether Mann or anyone would have them. Almost every German Schuetzen rifle I've ever seen had sling swivels, and they were all fine offhand rifles.
I'd be more puzzled on the choice of calibers for an offhand rifle. Not many .45-70 calibers found in this configuration. But again, it doesn't change who might have owned it or built it. 
As for ownership or who built any older rifle; provenance. You either have it, or you don't.

Quote:


I am, from the beginning of the post, doubting that it was Franklin Mann's personal rifle.  The process goes like this;  You " rule out " all assertion such as is presented here, unless and until, there is sufficient uncontrovertible evidence that allows you to "rule in" the assertion.

A 40 year old self serving assertion by the gun's seller is not uncontrovertile evidence in my opinion.

C.M.M.