Manufactured in circa 1886. With browned damascus barrels each engraved with a spray of foliage at the breech end. Flat raised rib checkered for its entire length, fitted with front and mid bead sights, and with rib extension. Casehardened action signed “W.W. GREENER” and with arcaded fences, cross bolt and blued toplever. The water table marked “J. N / PATENT / 779” (for Joseph Needham’s patent no. 1205 of 1874, which Greener developed in combination with his “Facile Princeps” to form the famous self acting ejector mechanism. Greener had purchased Needham’s firm in 1874), and struck with the Greener “Elephant” trademark. Blued triggers, trigger guard and Greener side mounted safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Fine bouquet and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured 14 1/2 inch semi-pistol grip stock including leather covered recoil pad, grip and forearm checkered within shaped panels inset and horn diamond shaped drop points. The forearm with dark horn tip and Deeley & Edge fastener, the underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon. Barrels and action struck with Birmingham “Not For Ball” black powder proof marks and Birmingham nitro reproof marks, the barrels each also struck “WWG”. Proved at 18.6mm / 18.7mm, measuring 18.6mm / 18.7mm, 2 1/2 inch (65mm) chambers, minimum wall thickness 0.027 and 0.022. Weight 7 lbs. 7 oz. With brass cornered oak and leather fitted Greener case lined in emerald green velvet, the lid with black leather W.W. Greener trade label with gilt lettering, the exterior of the lid stamped in gold lettering “G.C. MACRORY, DUNMURRY HOUSE, DUNMURRY, Co. ANTRIM.” With accessories including large nickeled W.W. Greener oiler, and nickeled W.W. Greener folding combined cartridge extractor / whistle and W.W. Greener chamber brush with silvered cap each engraved with a crown and the monogram “GRM”.

Barrels with fine damascus pattern, retaining 99% rebrowned finish, engraved decoration at breech ends clear. Action with fine crisp engraving, retaining 30% faded original casehardened finish. Toplever and trigger guard reblued. Stock refinished, sharp checkering within shaped panels, slight scattered handling blemishes and a small crack appearing in the horn forend wedge. Good leather covered recoil pad. Lovely case, exterior with some age wear, lining with wear marks from the gun and accessories, replacement straps, two repair panels to lining around the gun compartment. Mechanically excellent. A lovely classic Greener shotgun. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.