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LOT 533
Rare Engraved W.W. Greener “Model No. 2” Double
Barrel “Facile Princeps” Non-Ejector Big Game Rifle -
Serial no. 31264, 577 Snider cal., 25 3/4 inch bbl., brown/casehardened/
blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1887 and featured in “The Greener
Collections” by Graham Greener, pp. 168-9. With browned Damascus barrels each
engraved with a narrow band of stylized foliage at the breech end. Raised flat partially matted rib with bead
front sight, blued rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves graduated to “300” yards and each with platinum
inlaid center line, engraved “REGULATED AT 50 YDS. 480 GRN. BULLET 70 GRNS. BLACK POWDER”, signed “W.W. GREENER. 68
HAYMARKET LONDON”, engraved “PATENT TREBLE WEDGE FAST No. 3084” at the rib extension and blued extractor. Casehardened action with serpentine fences, Greener patent cross bolt, border engraved with the flat flanks each cut with fine checkering and signed “W.W. GREENER” within a ribbon. Greener patent side mounted safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE”.
Furniture comprising plain trigger guard and pistol grip catch. The underside of the barrels and water table with Birmingham black powder proof and reproof marks, the water table also with Greener “Elephant” trademark and “W.W. GREENER PATENT No. 930” (the famous Facile Princeps action patent of 1880). Well figured 14 1/2 inch semi-pistol grip stock including rubber recoil pad, with dark
horn drop points, checkered grip and forearm, the latter with Deeley & Edge fastener. The underside of the butt with blank oval initial escutcheon and blued sling eye, the corresponding sling eye is mounted beneath the barrels. Weight 9 lbs. 9 oz.
CONDITION: This classic British double rifle remains in very fine condition. The slightly shortened barrels have an attractive Damascus pattern, crisp engraving and signatures, and retain nearly all of their rebrowned finish. The action has sharp checkering to the flanks of the action, border engraving is also sharp, and with traces of original casehardened finish in sheltered areas. The trigger guard and pistol grip cap likewise retain traces of original finish. The stock has an attractive figure and has been re-oiled, the checkering remains crisp with very little evidence of storage or handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 534
Fine Antique Engraved J. Purdey & Sons .360 Black Powder Express Double Barrel Rotary Underlever Hammer
Rifle - Serial no. 11989, 360 express cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., casehardened/blue finish, checkered walnut stock. The makers have kindly confirmed
that this “C Quality” double hammer rifle was completed on October 9, 1884 for The Duke of Morny. It is noted as featuring rebounding backlocks and
regulated for Eley solid drawn 2 1⁄4 inch Express case loaded with 1 7/8 drams of No.6 Powder, thin card and greased cloth, and Eley’s hollow papered bullet. The
sighting information states “1/2 ball of front sight in bottom edge of spot at 50, 100, 150, 200”. With blued steel barrels with raised matted flat sighting rib signed
“J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON”, fitted with blade front sight insert and blued rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves each
with platinum inlaid center line marked for 50, 150, and 200 yards. Casehardened Jones Patent rotary underlever action with carved percussion fences. Floating island back action rebounding locks
each signed “J. PURDEY & SONS” with serpentine hammers. Blued trigger plate with double smooth triggers and blued trigger guard. An attractive light floral scroll engraving is executed throughout. Blued
checkered steel butt plate with light floral engraving on the heel. Barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. Nicely figured pistol grip stock with raised cheek piece, checkered grip and Anson push-button forearm, rear swivel stud with the accompanying stud attached to the barrels, and blank silver initial escutcheon.
CONDITION: Very fine with 90% of the reblued finish remaining with some scratches throughout and spotted loss of finish at the muzzles and clear markings. 60% of the original casehardened finish remains on the action, locks, and lever with crisp engraving. The trigger plate, guard, and butt plate retain 60% of the original blued finish. The wood is very fine with scattered dents and dings and a light gouge on the left side of the forend.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,500
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