BY WILLIAM GREENER, 42 ELY PLACE, HOLBORN, LONDON, NO. 5125, CIRCA 1856-9

Details

A Fine 11-Bore Percussion Sporting Gun
By William Greener, 42 Ely Place, Holborn, London, No. 5125, circa 1856-9
With tapering rebrowned barrel of decorative twist pattern engraved with a panel of scrollwork on the top in front of the full signature and the inscription 'Laminated Steel Indestructible By Gunpowder', case-hardened patent breech finely engraved with a black cock and with engraved platinum plug, finely engraved case-hardened tang, signed slightly rounded case-hardened lock finely engraved with scrolls and on the tail with a setter in an oval, the inner side serial numbered, stamped 'W. Evans Late With J. Brazier', and with pierced bridle, finely figured walnut half-stock, chequered shaped pistol-grip, reblued iron mounts finely engraved with scrollwork, pheasants and a pointer, the butt-plate numbered '2', shield-shaped gold escutcheon, and horn fore-end cap, London proof marks
28in. (71.1cm.) barrel

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

William Greener, father of W.W. Greener, was one of the most important figures in the history of English 19th century gunmaking. Author of several famous books on guns, he held numerous patents, not only relating to guns, which included level-crossing gates and an electric-light system. His eminence was confirmed by his appointment as gunmaker to Prince Albert, and his receipt of the highest award in the Great Exhibition of 1851 'for guns and barrels perfectly forged and finished'

Other examples of his 'Indestructible' barrels were sold in these Rooms, 2 May 1984, lots 111-113

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