Hollis and Manton

[Fr8liner]

How do Hollis and Manton rank in the world of double rifles?
Imagine them in .470, obviously each condition could be different but let's say they similar. Over and above the famous names of H&H with Purdey, I see lots of others which people consider good collector pieces. So thought I would see where these two fit in.

 

[Fr8liner]

Sorry but more, remembering I currently shooting a new age Merkel O/U but dreaming for the classic, so name brand would be added bonus to pay for.

 

[Code4]

From memory, they were suppliers of firearms to the colonies (India). Think public servant/under paid junior officer, needing a rifle but can't afford one from the the big name London shops, so goes down to the local Army and Navy store (Walmart) in Calcutta and buys one off the shelf. I believe most were generated from 'the trade' to keep production up and stamped with the name of the commissioning firm and on-sold to distributors. Depends on who did the work on the individual rifle and its current condition as to 'value'. Some craftsmen 'in the trade' had better reputations than others. (still do). Not all doubles are equal.

 

[CTDolan]

Manton was at one time considered to be the finest maker in the world. He elevated the English gunmaking trade to a standard we enjoy to this day. He is the reason "English best" became, the best.

From Wiki:

Manton's weapons are considered the finest of the flintlock age. They can fetch more at auction than Holland & Holland's shotguns. His workforce included: James Purdey (who went on to found Purdey's), Thomas Boss, Joseph Lang, William Greener and Charles Lancaster. These five all went on to establish major firms of gunmakers, which continue to this day.

 

[AkMike]

There were 2 Hollis's making firearms. A. Hollis and I. Hollis. The A Hollis was a retailer and didn't make them. Most were made by Leonard the same maker as many Jeffries IIRC. I Hollis was a maker and also branded the guns for other retailers.
I've got a "Best" 500/450 Magnum branded A Hollis made by Leonard in 1906.

 

[CTDolan]

There were also two Mantons, Joseph and John (they were brothers). The Manton I refer to above is Joseph, but John did excellent work as well.

 

[Fr8liner]

Thank you so far, interesting information and detail to look into