Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #81
  • Lot #1329
Lot #1328
Lot #1330

Lot 1329: W.W. Greener Double Barrel “Facile Princeps” Ejector Rifle

Very Fine & Rare Panel Game Scene Engraved W.W. Greener .450/.400 (Black Powder Express) Double Barrel “Facile Princeps” Ejector Rifle with Case

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 5, 2020

Lot 1329: W.W. Greener Double Barrel “Facile Princeps” Ejector Rifle

Very Fine & Rare Panel Game Scene Engraved W.W. Greener .450/.400 (Black Powder Express) Double Barrel “Facile Princeps” Ejector Rifle with Case

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 5, 2020

Estimated Price: $18,000 - $27,500

Very Fine & Rare Panel Game Scene Engraved W.W. Greener .450/.400 (Black Powder Express) Double Barrel “Facile Princeps” Ejector Rifle with Case

Manufacturer: WW Greener
Model: Custom
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 450/400
Barrel: 26 inch
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1526
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 254
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured in circa 1895, with blued barrels each engraved with a pyramid of scrollwork at the breech ends and respectively engraved “SIR J. WHITWORTH’S/STEEL” and also engraved “.400 EXPRESS” on the right tube. The raised flat matted rib signed “W.W. GREENER. 68 HAYMARKET LONDON.”, engraved with a vignette of two game birds and scrollwork at the base of the rib and on the rib extension, and fitted with a ramp mounted bead front sight and rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and calibrated from “100” to “300” yards. The front lump with Greener’s self-acting ejector mechanism (British patent no. 2003 of 1881). Casehardened action with cross bolt, signed “W.W. GREENER” on each side, engraved with scrollwork and vignettes of dogs, stags and a wild boar and with blued toplever. Blued furniture including trigger guard engraved with a running roe deer on the bow and “No. 43,463/GRADE 403” on the tang. Barrels and action struck with Birmingham black powder proof marks, and Whitworth (barrels only) and Greener “Elephant” trademarks. Well figured 14 1/2 inch semi-pistol grip stock with inset dark horn drop points and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with dark horn tip and Deeley & Edge fastener. The left side of the stock fitted with a Greener patent safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE” behind the action. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon and sling mount, the corresponding sling mount fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 8 lbs. 1.7 oz. In brass cornered leather fitted case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with gilt lettered black leather W.W. Greener trade label, and with canvas outer cover.

Rating Definition:

Barrels retaining 95% original blued finish, clear engraving throughout. Action with 60% faded original casehardened finish, clear engraving throughout. Trigger guard and toplever reblued. Stock with some handling and storage bruising and marking. Case in very good condition. Zip handles on canvas outer incomplete. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #387: German Game Scene Engraved Hammerless Drilling

    Lot #385: Game Scene Engraved Carl Stiegele Drilling with Zeiss Scope

    Lot #1452: Two Crates of .577 Nitro Express Unprimed Brass Cases

    Lot #655: Five Antique Powder Flasks

    Lot #1307: Game Scene Engraved Alfred Davis Boxlock Shotgun with Case

    Lot #1017: Rare American Railway Express Marked Leather Cartridge Belt