Joseph Manton

Joseph Manton (6 April 1766 – 29 June 1835) was British gunsmith. Between 1780-89 apprenticed to gunmaker in Grantham, then worked under brother John from 1781 at 6 Dover Street, London. At 23 in 1789 moved out on own, began experimenting with improvements to rifling and wadding. In 1792 opened Mayfair gun shop patronized by prominent businessmen, politicians and nobility. By mid 1790s producing about 100 weapons annually. Invented tube (pill) lock, improvement over Alexander Forsyth's scent-bottle lock. Workforce included James Purdey, Thomas Boss, William Greener, Charles Lancaster and William Moore. Declared bankrupt 1826, bank seized Oxford Street workshop and stock. Increasing debts forced closure, left Joseph Manton in debtors' prison 1828-1829. Died 29 June 1835.