2020 September Premier, Volume I

A Selection of Fine Arms from the Esteemed Collection of Malcolm King
250
LOT 286
Extremely Fine & Rare Panel Game Scene Engraved William Greener
.600 “Grade 2” Double Barrel Percussion Rifle with Extra 16 Bore
Shotgun Barrels and Sporting Bayonet in Case - Serial no. 4479, 16
gauge, 30 inch bbl., browned/casehardened/blued finish, walnut stock.
The makers have kindly confirmed that this fabulous rifle and shotgun
combination set was completed in 1852. It is published in “The Greener
Collections” by Graham Greener (pp. 35-37) detailing the colorful story of
how Graham purchased the set from Argentina. The rifle barrels are of fine
browned Damascus twist fitted with socket for the detachable bayonet to
the right side. The bayonet of hollow triangular section with spring catch
to secure it in the socket. Raised rib signed “WILLIAM GREENER. MAKER
LONDON. INVENTOR OF THE EXPANSIVE BULLET” and engraved with fine
scrollwork towards the breech end, fitted with a bead front sight and
blued rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves. Casehardened
patent breeches engraved with a brace of game birds on the rib between
and each fitted with platinum plugs. The smoothbore barrels of browned
Damascus twist with concave rib signed “W. GREENER. MAKER. LONDON.
LAMINATED STEEL, INDESTRUCTIBLE BY GUNPOWDER” and engraved with a spray of scrollwork at the
breech end, bead front sight, and casehardened patent breeches each with platinum plug and engraved
with a portrait of a dog on the rib between. Each set of barrels with own white metal mounted ramrod.
Casehardened standing breech, side locks each signed “W. GREENER” with finely sculptured hammers,
trigger plate incorporating a blued grip safety, blued trigger guard and butt plate. Fine
scroll engraving throughout interspersed with vignettes involving exotic game
animals and hunting dogs. Both sets of barrels struck with Birmingham
proof marks and dated “1852”. Well figured semi-pistol grip half stock
with checkered grip and forearm, a blank silver initial escutcheon inset
at the wrist, the underside of the butt with blued sling eye. In original
brass bound mahogany fitted case lined in finely tooled pigskin
with accessories including bullet mold, powder and shot flasks, and
casehardened mainspring clamp. The lid with printed W. Greener trade
label, the exterior with remains of old luggage labels.
CONDITION: Each set of barrels retaining 95% original browned finish
with fine Damascus pattern, some scattered spots of loss to finish,
occasional corrosion spot marks, engraving crisp. Breeches retaining
98% original bright casehardened finish with crisp engraving. Locks
and furniture collectively retaining 95% original blued and casehardened finish, some minor
age loss mostly to bluing on butt plate, engraving crisp and very finely executed throughout. Stock
refinished with minor storage and handling blemishes, slight flattening to a couple of spots of checkering and
minor chipping to right edge of the forearm, and a repaired crack on the forend. Case in very good condition,
minor age related wear and straining to lining, minor damage to partitions.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 6000 - 9000