Hollis and Manton

Fr8liner

Fr8liner

AH veteran
Joined
Nov 14, 2014
Messages
181
Reaction score
141
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Thank you so far, interesting information and detail to look into
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

... and 1032 more.
Total: 57,979 (members: 1,082, guests: 56,897)

Forum statistics

Threads
65,132
Messages
1,436,294
Members
134,512
Latest member
KimberlySe
 

 

 

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

T
TakeMeLord wrote on Hunt anything's profile.
Suppressor Question.. you shot a waterbuck, followed vapor trail.
May I ask: Brand of Suppressor? Caliber of rifle
AND
Dis airport secutity give you any hassles about the silencer? Thanks, Dale
•••
Croc25
Croc25
IMG_6388.jpeg
•••
R
RolandtheHeadless wrote on intj's profile.
Hi. Will you take $90 including shipping for the 28 Nosler brass?

Jim
•••
Mauser3000
Mauser3000 wrote on HBartley's profile.
Hello,

I saw your post selling left hand rifles. Do you have any additional pics of the .416 Rem mag?

Thank you.

-Nathan
•••
Mauser3000
Mauser3000 wrote on gbflyer's profile.
Hello, I saw your post selling left hand rifles. Do you have any other left hand rifles you may let go of? Also can you send a few additional pics of Borden rifle?

Thank you.

-Nathan
•••

Share this page

 
Top