Manton lock value

[Bill Ladd]

I had this advertised with a bunch of locks I'm selling over in the classifieds.  I have no idea of it's (if it has any) value so I asked for offers. Admins asked me to take it down so I'm here asking y'all experts what this lock's value may be.

Thanks, Bill

[okieboy]

 Bill, I don't know what your lock is worth, but since this is a discussion area, I want to ask the members a question about it.
 The lock plate and the hammer have thin double border lines, that are exceedingly regular. How were these created? Were they engraved, they seem too perfect. Were they scraped with an tool like a marking gauge? Were they somehow stamped like much of the "engraving" found on locks?

[Bill Ladd]

I just tried to take some close up pictures of it, but alas, my cell phone is not up to that task. The close ups would have shown you quite a bit of irregularity in the lines. They actually look hand cut to me.

I'm a neophyte here though, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

[smart dog]

Hi Okie,
They are cut by hand with single line gravers.  You just have to be careful.




Bill,
I cannot give you a value but I suspect it is not worth very much.  It was almost assuredly not made by any of the Mantons, who I believe never signed their work "Manton" only.  It is likely a Belgian or Birmingham copy and of typical average or export quality.

dave

[Bill Ladd]

Thanks dave

[Dphariss]

Belgian made most likely. Many hardware store grade guns had such spurious markings. "Westly Richards" was popular too.

Dan

[Bill Ladd]

So. the scrap pile then?

[Bob Roller]

Other than being dirty and the missing hammer screw it's not junk.
It could be restored and used on a match rifle with the Henry style breech.
The new mechanisms I made were very similar only new in appearance.

Bob Roller

[tallbear]

Bill

I've paid around $75 for similar locks from Dixons in PA and that was several years ago.I'd ask a little more for it today.Hope that helps!!

Mitch Yates

[Mike Brooks]

That's a $30 lock around here. It would probably set on your table quite a while even at $30.

[Bill Ladd]

That's a $30 lock around here. It would probably set on your table quite a while even at $30.

It's also got a busted sear.  Reckon I'm going $#*&-can this'un.

Thanks for all your advice.

Bill

[E.vonAschwege]

Value aside, the double lines can be made with a graver that cuts both lines at the same time.  Pretty easy to make and use, but you still have to follow the edge of the lock plate carefully - You'll see irregularities and both lines jump or skip sometimes. 

[Bill Ladd]

Value aside, the double lines can be made with a graver that cuts both lines at the same time.  Pretty easy to make and use, but you still have to follow the edge of the lock plate carefully - You'll see irregularities and both lines jump or skip sometimes.  

Ah yes! On this lock I see that all the irregularities are paired.