The makers have kindly confirmed that this fabulous rifle and shotgun combination set was completed in 1852. It is published in “The Greener Collections” by Graham Greener (pp. 35-37) detailing the colorful story of how Graham purchased the set from Argentina. The rifle barrels are of fine browned Damascus twist fitted with socket for the detachable bayonet to the right side. The bayonet of hollow triangular section with spring catch to secure it in the socket. Raised rib signed “WILLIAM GREENER. MAKER LONDON. INVENTOR OF THE EXPANSIVE BULLET” and engraved with fine scrollwork towards the breech end, fitted with a bead front sight and blued rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves. Casehardened patent breeches engraved with a brace of game birds on the rib between and each fitted with platinum plugs. The smoothbore barrels of browned Damascus twist with concave rib signed “W. GREENER. MAKER. LONDON. LAMINATED STEEL, INDESTRUCTIBLE BY GUNPOWDER” and engraved with a spray of scrollwork at the breech end, bead front sight, and casehardened patent breeches each with platinum plug and engraved with a portrait of a dog on the rib between. Each set of barrels with own white metal mounted ramrod. Casehardened standing breech, side locks each signed “W. GREENER” with finely sculptured hammers, trigger plate incorporating a blued grip safety, blued trigger guard and butt plate. Fine scroll engraving throughout interspersed with vignettes involving exotic game animals and hunting dogs. Both sets of barrels struck with Birmingham proof marks and dated “1852”. Well figured semi-pistol grip half stock with checkered grip and forearm, a blank silver initial escutcheon inset at the wrist, the underside of the butt with blued sling eye. In original brass bound mahogany fitted case lined in finely tooled pigskin with accessories including bullet mold, powder and shot flasks, and casehardened mainspring clamp. The lid with printed W. Greener trade label, the exterior with remains of old luggage labels.

Each set of barrels retaining 95% original browned finish with fine Damascus pattern, some scattered spots of loss to finish, occasional corrosion spot marks, engraving crisp. Breeches retaining 98% original bright casehardened finish with crisp engraving. Locks and furniture collectively retaining 95% original blued and casehardened finish, some minor age loss mostly to bluing on butt plate, engraving crisp and very finely executed throughout. Stock refinished with minor storage and handling blemishes, slight flattening to a couple of spots of checkering and minor chipping to right edge of the forearm, and a repaired crack on the forend. Case in very good condition, minor age related wear and straining to lining, minor damage to partitions. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.