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Finely Engraved Documented W.W. Greener Double Barrel Duck Gun
314
LOT 1371
Exceptional Documented Engraved W.W. Greener Double Barrel “Facile Princeps” Self-Acting Ejector 8 Gauge Duck Gun with Case - Serial no. 38069, 8 gauge, 32 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. The makers have kindly confirmed that manufacture of this magnificent
gun began in 1889 and was completed in 1890 at a cost of 50 guineas. It was subsequently shipped to New York for sale. It is featured in “The Greener Collections” by Graham Greener on p. 112. The browned Damascus barrels have a fine twist pattern and sprays of bouquet and scroll engraving at each breech end. The matted concave rib has a bead front sight, is signed “W.W. GREENER. 68 HAYMARKET LONDON. WINNER AT THE LONDON GUN TRIALS 1875, 1877 & 1879”, and is engraved “PATENT/ WEDGE FAST” towards the rib extension. Casehardened scallop back action with serpentine fences, Greener patent cross bolt, blued toplever, “Jumping Jack” hold-open pin and signed “W.W. GREENER” on each side. The blued Greener patent side mounted
safety catch has gold inlaid “SAFE.” There is fine profuse bouquet and scroll engraving throughout. The underside of the barrels and water table have Birmingham black powder proof marks and London nitro reproof marks. The water table has the Greener “Elephant” trademark and “1500/PATENT 2003” (the 1881 patent for the self acting ejector mechanism). The finely figured semi-pistol grip stock has shaped panels of checkering to the grip and forearm, dark horn arrow shaped drop points, and a checkered dark horn buttplate. The forearm has a Deeley & Edge fastener and dark horn tip that extends into an arrow shaped point. The underside of the butt has a large gold oval initial escutcheon engraved with a ornate monogram consisting of the letters “IRM”. The fitted leather case is lined in red baize, has a black leather W.W. Greener trade label with gilt lettering inside the lid, and contains some accessories, including large nickeled Greener oiler and cleaning rod. Stock measurements:
2 inch drop at comb; 3 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 11 lbs 13 oz.