Manufactured in 1928, this is an example of the famous Greener “Empire” model shotgun designed by W.W. Greener and his son Harry to have the absolute minimum amount of working parts to become a rugged workhorse for export sales with 17,268 guns being produced between 1910 and 1965. With blacked barrels each engraved with a band of foliage at the breech end. Concave matted rib with bead front sight, signed “W.W. GREENER. MAKER. 40 PALL MALL. LONDON S.W. WORKS, ST. MARY’S SQUARE BIRMINGHAM” and with rib extension. Casehardened treble grip action signed “W.W. GREENER” within a ribbon on each side, with Greener patent cross bolt, blued action floor plate and toplever, and engraved with scrollwork and vignettes involving two ducks on the right side and two pheasants on the left side. Blued Greener side mounted safety catch with inlaid “SAFE”. Blued scroll engraved trigger guard marked “GRADE EH25” on the tang. The underside of the barrels and action with Birmingham nitro proof and reproof marks, and Greener “Elephant” trademarks. Figured 14 inch semi-pistol grip stock with grooved dark horn butt plate, and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with dark horn tip and blued Deeley & Edge fastener. Proved at .729/.729, measuring .734+/.736, 3 1/4 inch chambers, minimum wall thickness .026/.024. 7 lbs. 4.8 oz. Extra barrels: each tube engraved with a band of foliage at the breech end. Raised solid matted rib with bead front sight, signed “W.W. GREENER. MAKER. 40 PALL MALL. LONDON WORKS, BIRMINGHAM” and with rib extension. The underside of the barrels with Birmingham nitro proof marks and Greener “Elephant” trademarks, proof date code for 1959. Proved at .729/.729, measuring .732/.731+, 3 inch chambers, minimum wall thickness .031/.032. Weight 7 lbs. 11 oz. (when assembled). With case fitted for the gun and both sets of barrels.

Barrels retaining 97% reblacked finish, signature softened. Action cleaned bright with faded traces of casehardened finish to water table, engraving clear, rubbed on edges. Clean stock with good checkering. Mechanically excellent. Extra barrels retaining 99% reblacked finish, clear engraving and signature. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.