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LOT 3499
Factory Gold Inlaid and Game Scene Engraved W. W. Greener
Boxlock Double Barrel Shotgun Inscribed to Frank C. Fowler - Serial no. 43129,
12 gauge, 27 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1894/95 according to page 111 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Blued steel barrels with a single gold plated bead on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked “F. C. Fowler. Moodus. Conn.” in gold inlay flanked by golden pigeon as well as two inches of fine scrollwork at the base. The barrels are marked “W.W. GREENER. 68 HAYMARKET. LONDON” and “SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S STEEL” on the left and right respectively, wedges of scroll engraving encapsulating a hare on either breech,
the original nitro proofs and a later set of reproofs on the flats including the 2 1/2 inch chambers which feature automatic ejectors. The casehardened boxlock displays extensive scroll engraving surrounding game bird scenes on the
left, right, and underside of the action as well as masterfully carved fences. The toplever is inlaid in gold with “F.C.F.” over a coronet and a scepter and is gold plated on the left side at where the thumb makes contact, two setters on the triggerguard, and a bird and gold inlaid serial number on the lower tang. Beautifully figured, fancy checkered splinter forend with bird scene engraved fittings and a horn tip, and round knob pistol
grip stock with a serrated bare butt. Frank C. Fowler was a successful American business man who made his fortune selling “snake oil” remedies and was owner of one of the largest game preserves in the United States at the time of his death in 1919. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .740 inches and measured .741/.740 inches; choke constriction .014/.024 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.027 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; cast-on; weight 6 lbs. 9 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as professionally restored, retaining 98% blue finish, 99% gold, and flashes of the original case colors on the action with
the balance an attractive grey. There are a few minor scratches and a few tiny areas showing some pitting beneath the finish, The wood shows sharp recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
and both
LOT 3500
Fine and Rare Panel Game Scene Engraved
W.W. Greener 8 Bore “Facile Princeps” Double Barrel “Grade FT30” Non-
Ejector Duck Gun - Serial no. 53524, 8 gauge, 32 inch bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. Made in circa 1904. With blued barrels each engraved with
a geometric design band at the breech end. Raised flat matted rib with bead front sight, signed “W.W.
GREENER. MAKER. 68. HAYMARKET. LONDON. WORKS ST. MARY’S SQUARE. BIRMINGHAM.”, and with rib extension.
Treble grip bolstered action signed “W.W. GREENER” on each side, with blued 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 FT30”. The
whole engraved with fine scrollwork, rosettes and vignettes involving ducks and geese. The underside of the barrels and the water table
with Birmingham nitro proof marks and Greener “Elephant” trademarks. Well figured 14 3/4 inch semi-pistol grip stock including 1 3/4 inch leather wrapped recoil pad, and checkered grip and
forearm, the latter with Deeley & Edge fastener and dark horn tip. The underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. Weight 11 lbs.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrels retain 98% reblued finish beginning to turn to plum, the rib signature is sharp as is the decorative band engraved at the breech ends. Action with a light grey
patina, crisp engraving, casehardened finish present to the water table and inside of forearm iron. Trigger guard and action floor plate with nearly all of the reblued finish and crisp engraving. Attractive highly figured stock with well-defined checkering, reoiled, some rubbing to the edges of the leather covered recoil pad. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
286 Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000