W. W. Greener London 12 Gauge 30” SxS Damascus Hammer Shotgun Antique 1878

SOLD FOR: $1,175.00

LSB#: LSB240817GC003

Make: London, W. W. Greener  

Model: Treble-Wedge Fast Exposed Hammer Shotgun

Serial Number: 19277

Year of Manufacture: 1878 (The Greener Story by Graham Greener)

Gauge: 12, chambered for 2 1/2” shells Black Powder

Action Type: Top-Break Double Rebounding Hammer Shotgun with Extractor

Markings: All sides of the receiver are engraved.  Both sides of the side plates are marked “W.W. GREENER”.  The top of the barrel rib is marked “W.W. GREENER, ST MARY’S WORKS BIRMINGHAM.  WINNER AT THE LONDON GUN TRIALS 1875, 1877, & 1878”, and “PATENT TREBLE WEDGE FAST”.  The bottom of both barrels are marked with a matching series of British Proofs each (to include “NOT FOR BALL”).  The bottom of the right barrel is also marked “JR”.  

Barrel Length: 30” Damascus Fine Twist

Choke: Fixed.  Right:  Modified  Left: Full 

Sights/Optics: There is a small brass post on the center rib. 

Stock Configuration and Condition: The refinished stocks are two-piece checkered wood with splinter forend, rounded semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate with a straight cast. The buttstock has scattered light compression marks throughout.  The forend has two small repaired cracks visible only from inside.  The checkering is distinct throughout.  The LOP measures 14.5” from the front the front face of the forward trigger and 13.75” from the rear trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has some minor erosion with most of it having taken on a deep patina. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Browned Barrel, Case Hardened Receiver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: Both bores are bright — remarkably so for a black powder arm.  There is some pitting scattered from the muzzle end to about the midlength of each. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates 7/10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. Much of the barrel retains a brown color with distinct twist Damascus. Most of the case coloring has gone mute.  The receiver has lost all finish to the exposed sides and now in the white with clear engraving throughout. The small parts like the thumb latch and trigger guard are losing some of the bluing or transitioning to a plum hue from age. There are a couple of bright nicks in the left side of the left barrel, though none dented through.  The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear.  There is no evident corrosion.  Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no play — remarkably so for a shotgun nearly 150 years old. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: When it comes to quality European doubles there are few names that pop up immediately such as James Purdey & Sons, Holland & Holland, Boss & Co. , John Dickson & Son, John Rigby & Co., W.W. Greener and John Manton… just to name a few. Once you get a handle on this double you know it has a place among the best. There is quality in the craftsmanship throughout this shotgun. You would never guess this shotgun is over 100 years old at first glance. The twist Damascus is still beautiful and the engraving is tasteful and still sharp in most places.   

Inscribed on the barrel rib is “PATENT TREBLE WEDGE FAST”.  This is a very early example of the Greener Crossbolt lockup, done by Greener himself.  Greener went to great pains to prove that this was the strongest action available in its day.  

This would be a perfect addition to any collection for display or even potential (blackpowder) shooter (after being inspected by a gunsmith of course).  Please look at the photos of this amazing shotgun.  -C.B.