doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com New 1883 Nitro Proof WW Greener

So I wanted a greener and the Anson and Deeley 10 Guinea Gun was not up to scratch. I sent it back and bought a Beretta 686 Essential and a Beretta 410E from the same guy.

So on the hunt again for a greener I came across this guy selling his collection of 40 years. This is what I got from him:







Clearly is is number two of a pair, I dont know where number one is.

It is very light!

The gun is very tight and is in working order, I plan to use it with 2 1/2 inch target loads at sxs events.

Anyone know any history or other relevant info? I dont plan on selling it but I am also interested in the value.

Thanks!

Also on the rib its says:

"WW Greener 68 Haymarket St London & 8 Avenue L'Opera Paris. Winner At the London Gun Trials 1875, 1877, 1878 and 1879."

It also says near the dolls head "Patent Treble No 3084 Wedge Fast"

This one sure looks much finer than that one. 8-) Conrgatulations!

Judging from what I can see in the photos (if it has good bores and with the stock fixed) I'd think in the US it would sell for 12 to 15 hundred.

Yeah the bores are nice and shiny. The split in the stock is a worry, at least it hasn't had a bodgy repair I guess.

Roy,
Greener made a nice Gun , didn't he/they?
I would be a bit worried about that left hand crack behind the action though.What are you going to fix it?... yourself?
I have a nice 35 Guinea Greener Hammer Pigeon with Jones U/L from 1901 & I love it,just sweet filing by one of Greener's best, Mr Hamm on the action and the dished out (Percussion?) fences below the exposed firing pin, simply wonderful stuff for a mid level Gun
Best to you
Franc

I am loading some 1oz 2.5 inch shells to target load spec. Anyone see any issues with these loads in the old gun? should be under 7000psi.

I used 50 2.5 inch 28gm rio redstar shells through the gun today.

Its very light and handles well, but tends to kick up a fair bit, but that was OK once I compensated for it. It did point fairly naturally I kept inspecting the breech and bores after each shot, the only problem I encountered was the little decorative insert on the fore end fell out, but luckily I found it. I was surprised for a 128 year old gun just how well it operated.

Next weekend I might make a video of the gun breaking clays and post it to youtube so you can see the old girl in action.

The crack between action and side safety is a common one on Greeners; not a cause for alarm, but keep an eye on it. That and the forend piece dropping out make me think it could do with a little TLC and epoxy. What does it weigh? Facile Princeps Greeners could be very light for a 12. Yours is numbered about 1000 before mine.
Personally, even with nitro re-proof, I'd be sticking with BP.

Has he got any more to sell?!

I've a soft spot for the Beretta 410E too; I inherited my grandfather's, bought new in 1951 with the part proceeds of a wool boom wool cheque; I wish the gun it replaced was still around though...
RG

Thanks for the info, yes the guy is selling his collection in dribs and drabs, I have not seen any more since the 1870's bland he advertised a few weeks back.

Its very light, I dont have an accurate way of measuring, but its easliy the lightest 12g I have.

The 410E is a sweet little things, the gun I bought actually came from your part of the world at Murtoa.

I will conduct ongoing assessment of the bores, but will also do some conservative nitro loads in the 2.5 inch shells I have. I will keep pressures below 7000psi.