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LOT 1538
Very Fine Engraved Frederick Beesley .577
(Black Powder Express) Rotary Underlever Double Barrel Big Game Hammer Rifle with Case - Serial no.
1773, 577 cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This fine big game rifle heralds from the dusk of
the age of the hammer action with the makers kindly confirming that it was sold new on April 28, 1904 to a Milford B. James for £30. With blacked
barrels respectively signed “F. BEESLEY FROM PURDEY’S” and “2. ST. JAMES’S STREET. LONDON”, engraved with a band of beadwork at the breech ends, partially file cut matted rib with bead front sight, blued rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves calibrated from “100” to “300” yards and each with platinum inlaid center line, and doll’s
head extension engraved with scrollwork. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and rebounding back action locks, the latter each
signed “F. BEESLEY”, blued trigger guard and casehardened pistol grip cap. Fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Barrels and water table
struck with London black powder proof marks. Well figured 14 1/2 inch pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, and
orange Silvers type recoil pad. The forearm with lever latch and the underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon. The stock and barrels with sling eyes. Weight 12 lbs. 9 oz. In brass cornered leather fitted case, the lid with printed F. Beesley trade label.
CONDITION: Barrels retaining near 99% reblacked finish, signatures and engraving clear and minor storage blemishes. Action and locks retaining 70% original strong casehardened finish, engraving crisp, especially on the action. Trigger guard retaining 40% original blued finish in sheltered areas. Stock re-oiled, checkering sharp, slight handling and storage blemishes. Case in very good condition, straps and handle renovated, label with some old tears. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 1539
Rare Engraved W.W. Greener 10 Bore “Facile Princeps” Double Barrel “Grade FH25” Ejector Shotgun - Serial no. 54127, 10 gauge, 3
0 1/4 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Made in circa 1905, this gun features Baker’s
forearm ejector system. Prior to 1902 this type of gun was referred to as a Monarch model before being reclassified by Greener as the “FH”. With blued barrels
each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech
end. Matted concave rib with bead front sight, signed “W.W. GREENER. MAKER. 68 HAYMARKET. LONDON. S.W. WORKS ST. MARY’S SQUARE. BIRMINGHAM.”, and engraved
with further fine scrollwork and a vignette of a pheasant at the rib extension. Casehardened treble
grip bolstered action signed “W.W. GREENER” on each side within a ribbon, with casehardened action floor plate, Greener cross bolt and blued toplever. Blued side mounted Greener patent safety catch
with inlaid “SAFE” and blued trigger guard engraved “GRADE FH25” on the tang. The underside of the barrels
and the water table with Birmingham nitro proof marks and Greener “Elephant” trademarks. Figured 13 3/4 inch semi-pistol grip stock
including rubber recoil pad, and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with blued Deeley & Edge fastener and dark horn tip. The underside of the butt with silver oval initial escutcheon engraved with a monogram. Proved at 10/10, measuring .777+/.780, 3 inch chambers. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Steel barrels retaining nearly all of the professionally reblued finish, signature and breech engraving clear and crisp. Action retaining 80% strong original casehardened finish, engraving clear and crisp. Trigger guard, action floor plate and toplever retaining near 80% blued finish, engraving clear. Stock with well-defined checkering, recent rubber butt pad. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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