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W.W.Greener, G 60 Royal, Boxlock Model, Self-Opener, Ejector, 12 gauge, 30" 2 3/4" 99%
Guns International #: 100629568 Seller's Inventory #: 32-2-15
Category: Greener, WW Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double
Seller's Information
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Seller: rcrwin70
Member Since: 9/26/07
First Name: Roger
State: Hawaii
Country: United States
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: cashiers check or money order or pay pal plus 3%
Description:
W.W. Greener, G 60 Royal, Boxlock Model, Self-Opener, Ejector, 12 gauge, 30” 2 ¾” 99%
This is the famous Facile Princeps action, designed in 1998, and touted as, pound for pound, the strongest action ever produced. This Royal was built in 1914. Its condition is 100% original and most likely only taken out for a shoot just a couple of times, stored all these years in some fine gun rack as can be seen by its nearly mint condition.
The Royal model came in both sidelock and best boxlock versions, and is described as a Best Self-acting or Unique ejector with customer-ordered engraving which could be ordered with fine scroll or deeply carved relief or game scenes (depending on customer choice), with a gold crown on the top lever. For pairs, the gold crown was replaced with gold numbers, 1 and 2, as noted in Graham Greener’s book, The Greener Story, page 110. This specimen is a #2 of a pair, serial number 64144, and you can see that its owner chose elegant game scenes of dogs, birds, and a rabbit surrounded by extremely fine scroll work. True to all Royal models, the fences are arcaded and the strength of the Facile Princeps action is enhanced by its bolstered receiver. All Royals were fitted with the best wood available.
Barrels are original with mirror bores. Right bore measures .732” with .040 choke (Full) and left bore is .733” with .040 choke (Full). Proved for 1 ¼ oz. Nitro. The automatic ejectors are well-timed, manual safety and double triggers.
This handsome side by side is from an era when English gunmaking craft and skill were at their peak, with Greener’s version of the Anson and Deeley action and their world renowned Greener crossbolt and Greener safety, both copied today by nearly every German maker for drillings and vierlings.
The English walnut stock has original finish at about 99% with a round knob Prince of Wales pistol grip and English splinter forend, inlaid at the tip with Macassar ebony. Stock color is rich deep walnut brown, matching on both stock and forend. Other stock adornments include an inlaid monogram oval (not engraved) and a 1” Leather-covered recoil pad. Checkering patterns are well designed and generous at 24 lpi, still sharp with no missing diamonds and two ebony inlaid “arrows” where tear drops normally are found. The wood is in excellent condition, exhibiting no noticeable handling marks. Stock measurements: LOP 14 3/8”x 1 3/8” x 2” with slight cast on for the left hand. Weight 7lbs 6 oz.
This is an example of a “best boxlock” that would rival any “best sidelock” ever made.
About WW Greener guns: In The Great Guns by Harold L. Peterson and Robert Elman, in their one chapter on shotguns, “The Classic Smoothbores,” the authors make many references to the guns made by W.W. Greener. On page 124 of the first edition, “…by the 1870’s hammerless models with top release levers and snap-closing latches, perfected by such great British makers and designers as Anson & Deeley, W.W. Greener, and Rigby, were being offered…both in Europe and America. In 1897 an American customer could buy a serviceable double-barreled shotgun from Sears, Roebuck for $5.35 but he could also order a fine English W.W. Greener model from the same company for $187.50!
Greener shotguns were the envy of all. In the movie, Big Jake, 1971, John Wayne uses a pair of Greener double barreled shotguns to thwart the kidnappers and bring back his young grandson. We often hear Winchester’s and Colt’s names in movies, but we rarely hear the maker’s name of a shotgun. Wayne simply called them, his “Greeners”.
Prices shown in the Blue Book are for the sidelock version. According to Graham Greener this shotgun sold for 70 guineas in 1917, at a time when Purdey’s best 12-bore gun sold for 90 guineas. No longer made, it is hard to establish what this gun would cost today, but the comparison to Purdey can lend some idea as that company is still producing their best guns.
I got this from a collection, so my price here is set at an amazing discount, $8,750. Shipping $55 to any of the lower 48 states.
Buyer must furnish current FFL copy for shipping. Buyer has 3-day full refund non-firing return privilege. Payment by wire transfer, money order, certified check or personal check with delay for validation; or ask about a payment plan.
Seller is the author of The Rifleman’s Rifle (Winchester pre-64 Model 70s) and will furnish a Letter of Provenance that this rifle is from his collection. Feedback can be checked on ebay under seller’s login rcrwin70roger.
SOLD