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LOT 3396
Very Fine and Rare Panel Game Scene
Engraved W.W. Greener .450/.400 (Black
Powder Express) Double Barrel “Facile
Princeps” Ejector Rifle with Case - Serial no. 43463, 450/400
cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in circa
1895, with blued barrels each engraved with a pyramid of scrollwork at the breech ends and respectively engraved “SIR J.
STEEL” and also engraved “.400 EXPRESS” on the right tube. The raised flat matted rib signed “W.W. GREENER. 68 HAYMARKET LONDON.”,
engraved with a vignette of two game birds and scrollwork at the base of the rib and on the rib extension, and fitted with a ramp mounted bead front sight and rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and calibrated from “100” to “300”
yards. The front lump with Greener’s self-acting ejector mechanism (British patent no. 2003 of 1881). Casehardened action with cross bolt, signed “W.W. GREENER” on each side, engraved with scrollwork and vignettes of dogs, stags and a wild boar and with blued toplever. Blued
furniture including trigger guard engraved with a running roe deer on the bow and “No. 43,463/GRADE 403” on the tang. Barrels and action struck
with Birmingham black powder proof marks, and Whitworth (barrels only) and Greener “Elephant” trademarks. Well figured 14 1/2 inch semi-pistol
grip stock with inset dark horn drop points and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with dark horn tip and Deeley & Edge fastener. The left side of the
stock fitted with a Greener patent safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE” behind the action. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon and sling mount, the corresponding sling mount fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 8 lbs. 1.7 oz. In brass cornered leather fitted case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with gilt lettered black leather W.W. Greener trade label, and with canvas outer cover.
CONDITION: Barrels retaining 95% original blued finish, clear engraving throughout. Action with 60% faded original casehardened finish, clear engraving throughout. Trigger guard and toplever reblued. Stock with some handling and storage bruising and marking. Case in very good condition. Zip handles on canvas outer incomplete. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
WHITWORTH’S/