Help with info on a Manton & Co Culcutta & Delhi Type A Mauser rifle chambered in 9.3 x 62 mm

[Red Leg]

@Hunter-Habib has this exactly right. You have a very nice Oberndorf pre-Second World War Mauser in the Model B pattern, that was sourced from Germany by Manton & Co for sale in India. Think of them as a Sub-Continent Charles Daly, a company that also put its trade name on rifles and shotguns in this country for a century from makers in Europe and Asia. Some of the pre-war Charles Daly SxS's by Lindner of Germany are some of the finest and most sought after guns in the world. British firms were doing the same with the superb rifles being produced by Mauser. Yours would have been the perfect all purpose rifle for a young British officer arriving in the Raj. It would handle chital to tiger. You have found a real treasure.

 

[Sika98k]

Hope this helps

 

[uplander01]

Beautiful rifle. I bought a Manton Double some years ago and started researching. There are no records. However there is a company called Cornell Publications that has reprints from all the Manton & Co catalogs from the era that you can buy. They subcontracted many firearms to makers all over Europe and imported them into India. In the catalog I have there are many bolt actions you could have bought, but no 9.3. Check Cornell out, they may have a catalog that shows your rifle from a little later era, mine is from 1926-1927

 

[BushRanger]

Beautiful rifle. I bought a Manton Double some years ago and started researching. There are no records. However there is a company called Cornell Publications that has reprints from all the Manton & Co catalogs from the era that you can buy. They subcontracted many firearms to makers all over Europe and imported them into India. In the catalog I have there are many bolt actions you could have bought, but no 9.3. Check Cornell out, they may have a catalog that shows your rifle from a little later era, mine is from 1926-1927

Thank you. I will check them out and see if i can find something on mine. Appreciate that info.

 

[BushRanger]

@Hunter-Habib has this exactly right. You have a very nice Oberndorf pre-Second World War Mauser in the Model B pattern, that was sourced from Germany by Manton & Co for sale in India. Think of them as a Sub-Continent Charles Daly, a company that also put its trade name on rifles and shotguns in this country for a century from makers in Europe and Asia. Some of the pre-war Charles Daly SxS's by Lindner of Germany are some of the finest and most sought after guns in the world. British firms were doing the same with the superb rifles being produced by Mauser. Yours would have been the perfect all purpose rifle for a young British officer arriving in the Raj. It would handle chital to tiger. You have found a real treasure

Hi “Red Leg”

thanks for all the info above. I notice you say my rifle is a type b. What is it that tells you this? I only ask as i really am still learning about the type A and B designation and was told it was a type A rifle. I love the rifle no matter what but Its important to me that i dont confuse my apples from oranges. i would love to hear more from you on this. Thank you in advance.

 

[degoins]

BushRanger,
Your rifle is indeed a Type A.

 

[VertigoBE]

That's a lovely rifle.
Is the drop of the stock not a bit much for use with the scope?

 

[BushRanger]

BushRanger,
Your rifle is indeed a Type A.

Ok thanks. Other than barrel profile what else would say type A vs B?

 

[BushRanger]

That's a lovely rifle.
Is the drop of the stock not a bit much for use with the scope?

Yes the drop is not ideal for a scope but its not too bad. Plus with it not being a heavy recoiling rifle, you can get away with the poor cheek weld. The rifle came scope mounted as you see it and is a quick and easy release for use with open sights. I think if it had come with out the scope i would not bother putting it on but as its already there, it helps with lighter bullets for longer shots on medium sized plains game.

 

[degoins]

Ok thanks. Other than barrel profile what else would say type A vs B?

The express sights, the horn or ebony forend tip and the shape of the forend.

 

[Red Leg]

Hi “Red Leg”

thanks for all the info above. I notice you say my rifle is a type b. What is it that tells you this? I only ask as i really am swtill learning about the type A and B designation and was told it was a type A rifle. I love the rifle no matter what but Its important to me that i dont confuse my apples from oranges. i would love to hear more from you on this. Thank you in advance.

My mistake, it is indeed a type A. I missed the express sights completely. The stock is also of typical type A quality. An even better find.

 

[baxterb]

Could you post an up close pic of the swivel eyes? It looks to me they are the loop style for leather, but have been fitted with a swivel?

 

[BushRanger]

My mistake, it is indeed a type A. I missed the express sights completely. The stock is also of typical type A quality. An even better find.

Okay cool, no worries. Even i made a mistake on this chat that got picked up right at the beginning. joys of being human.

 

[BushRanger]

Could you post an up close pic of the swivel eyes? It looks to me they are the loop style for leather, but have been fitted with a swivel?

So the swivels and sling also came already attached to me. Pic as requested attached. They ate interesting as i have not personally seen swivels that can twist side ways as well. Must say its nice but i think i will wrap them some how to prevent further scratching of the barrel and wood work.

 

[baxterb]

So the swivels and sling also came already attached to me. Pic as requested attached. They ate interesting as i have not personally seen swivels that can twist side ways as well. Must say its nice but i think i will wrap them some how to prevent further scratching of the barrel and wood work. View attachment 504272

Many thanks. That is indeed an interesting setup. I have never seen swivels with an oversized pin like that. That rifle keeps getting cooler and cooler.

 

[Tintin]

this may be of interest

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290893129953

presumably a reprint for that price

It's a great read - a friend gave me a copy recently

 

[Sika98k]

That's a lovely rifle.
Is the drop of the stock not a bit much for use with the scope?

Sure it is. I have a Mannlicher Schonauer stutzen 1903 model. Designed and made before scopes were the norm. It does require a rather heads up approach to shooting it but hey ho what’s the alternative ?

 

[BushRanger]

Many thanks. That is indeed an interesting setup. I have never seen swivels with an oversized pin like that. That rifle keeps getting cooler and cooler.

Thanks. Must say im starting to appreciate this rifle even more since chatting with you all.

Sure it is. I have a Mannlicher Schonauer stutzen 1903 model. Designed and made before scopes were the norm. It does require a rather heads up approach to shooting it but hey ho what’s the alternative ?

View attachment 504598

Beautiful rifle. Love the full length stock on your rifle.
I use a 1.25-4 variable scope and find that when aiming, instead of a full cheek weld i put the rifle comb against my lower cheek/jaw area and there is no problem but then my low magnification scope gives generous eye relief which likely helps alot.

 

[VertigoBE]

Sure it is. I have a Mannlicher Schonauer stutzen 1903 model. Designed and made before scopes were the norm. It does require a rather heads up approach to shooting it but hey ho what’s the alternative ?

View attachment 504598

I suppose there is always the option of having the stock bent up a bit. It shouldn’t leave a mark. But it will no longer be period correct.

 

[PerH]

The tie on leather riser or a synthetic also helps,and easy to adjust or remove if needed.