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LOT 465
Gorgeous Factory Game Scene Engraved W. W. Greener
Imperial Best Grade Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial
no. 68934, 12 gauge, 28 7/8 inch solid rib bbl., black/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1931 according to page 199 of
Graham Greener’s “The Greener Story”. Built with blued steel barrels featuring a single
brass bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, which is signed “W.W. GREENER. MAKER. 40
PALL MALL. LONDON. WORKS St. MARY’S SQUARE. BIRMINGHAM.” along with a gold inlaid
“2” at the base. The barrels display highly attractive wedges of foliate scroll engraving at
either breech with a flourish surrounding the base of the rib. The barrels also show period
Birmingham nitro proof marks on the flats, an import mark under the forend, with a front
sling swivel, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with Greener’s patent “Unique” ejectors. The barrels
are fitted to the casehardened scalloped Facile Princeps boxlock action with hidden
crossbolt which shows gorgeous shell carved fences and displays exceptional near full
coverage tight scroll engraving interspersed with wheat, oak leaves, and reeds surrounding
a set of beautifully executed game scenes, as well as a gold crown and scepter on the blue
toplever and a gold “2” on the upper tang. The game scenes consist of a pointer flushing
quail on the left side, three oval scenes on the underside showing a raptor over two
partridges, a cocker flushing ducks on the right, and a dog retrieving a hare on the blued
trigger guard. The lower tang is shows the “GRADE/BEST” marking. The gun features double
triggers and a Greener safety with a single snipe engraved on the plate. The gun is fitted with
a beautifully figured and fancy checkered splinter forend with horn tip, engraved iron, and a
gold “2” on the Deeley latch release. The semi-pistol grip stock is of the same beautiful quality
and has fancy borders, horn inlays at the drop points, a rear
sling swivel, raised cheekpiece, blank inscription oval, and a
red rubber recoil pad. Includes a period maker’s leather flat
case with initials “J.S.C.” on the lid containing some cleaning
tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter
nine inches from the breech proofed at “12” (.729 inches)
and measured .735/.735 inches; choke constriction .037/.037
inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.027 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop
at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; weight 7
lbs. 6 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 97% professionally reblacked finish on the barrels and
toplever with 70% on the trigger guard/tang, 90% original vibrant case colors on the action,
light handling evidence, a rub at the right muzzle, some wear to the recoil pad, and crisp
checkering on the freshened stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. An opportunity to add a
fine British double to your collection!
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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