Guns International #: 102526396

Category - Antique Shotguns - Cartridge - Shotguns - 4 and 8 Gauge

Category
Antique Shotguns - Cartridge
Shotguns - 4 and 8 Gauge

FINE, UNIQUE and PUBLISHED ENGRAVED W. W. GREENER DOUBLE 8 BORE DAMASCUS HAMMER SIDELEVER SNAP ACTION ANTI-AIRCRAFT (i.e., DUCK) GUN

Description:
I just can’t say enough good about the legendary Greeners – either William Greener who worked for a period of time for none other than John Manton or William Wellington (or W.W.) Greener, the builder of this gun, who parted ways with his venerable father’s business over William’s devotion to muzzleloading guns and W.W.’s belief that breechloading guns were the future. As impossible as it sounds, I think they were both right. I regularly shoot and enjoy both muzzleloading and breechloading guns. It must say something about Williams position that I and countless others still enjoy muzzleloading guns 168 years after his devotion caused W.W. to set out on his own. Both William and W.W. were authorities and prolific writers on the subject of guns. Both also contributed significantly to the development of guns and gunmaking. William’s and W.W.’s businesses came together shortly after Williams passing in 1869 and W. W. Greener Limited continues in business today, with Graham Greener, the great grandson of W.W. Greener, as one of its directors. One can still call Greener in England and speak to Graham! 

Not surprisingly then, William Greener and W.W. Greener are giants among English gunmakers which has long made their work highly sought after among sportsmen and collectors alike. It’s something special to own a Greener gun. It connects us to the rich history of English guns, gunning, and gunmaking. This unique gun, in this cataloguer’s opinion, is something even more special and you don’t have to take my word for it.

Graham Greener himself thought enough of this gun to illustrate and discuss it in his book, The Greener Collections, at p. 63. This behemoth duck gun is believed to be the only known 8 bore snap action hammergun!

Completed 151 years ago in 1872, this handsome behemoth features a single bite snap action with arcaded fences and non-rebounding scroll, foliage and borderline engraved hammers and sidelocks signed “W.W. GREENER” with traces of original casehardening, sidelever (and who doesn’t love a sidelever), browned damascus barrels, engraved with a narrow band of stylized foliage at each breech end, raised solid concave rib fitted with a bead front sight, and signed “W.W. GREENER. ST. MARY’S WORKS BIRMINGHAM.” with fancy lettering. Pay particular attention to he “W”s, “N”s, “M”s, and “A”s. The barrels are each struck with Birmingham black powder proof marks and the charming Greener “Elephant” trademark. The furniture is comprised of an engraved iron triggerguard and buttplate. All mounted in a well figured 13 ¾” pull English straight hand stock with flat-top checkered grip and forearm (tip replaced) with key fastener and what appears to be a Britannia metal vacant oval escutcheon near the toe of the buttstock.

Mechanically excellent.

Here's a rare chance to own a fine, unique, published, handsome behemoth of an English duck gun by one of the legendary English makers.

As you're considering this gun, remember the advice of a late gun collecting friend of mine, “you only ever regret the guns you didn’t buy,” “where are you going to find another one,” and “you can make more money tomorrow.” Please also remember, whatever you’re thinking of offering me, “I’ve got more than that in it!”

Antique: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 8 Gauge
Manufacturer: W.W. GREENER
Model: duck gun
Serial Number: 9866
Barrel Length: 34”
Bore Info: 8
Chambers: 3”
Ejectors: no
Condition: fine
Metal Condition: fine
Wood Condition: fine
Bore Condition: perfect
Barrels: damascus
Action: sidelock
Triggers: double
Stock: English walnut
Butt Pad: iron
LOP: 13 3/4”
Sights: brass bead
Manufacture Date: 1872
Proof:Black: yes

Price: $6,000.00