April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
(1896) The "G Royal" was Greener's third grade best boxlock gun of the period 1893-1903, priced at 55 guineas. The "Presentation" and the "Imperial" were above it. This gun has 30" dovetailed steel barrels fitted with slightly raised matted game rib engraved "W.W. Greener 68 Haymarket London. England. Greener's Wrought Steel Indestructible By Gunpowder" on unmatted portion. There are two 1" triangles of scroll engraving at breech end of each barrel. Barrel flats are stamped with Birmingham black powder proofs, "2-3/4 Case", and "CHOKE". Bottoms of barrels are stamped with serial numbers, "WROUGHT STEEL", and with Greener elephant logos. Case hardened, scallop backed, boxlock action fitted with Greener's patent "G" ejector system features non-automatic side safety, and double triggers. Action is engraved with near full coverage exceptionally well cut small shaded scroll with floral highlights surrounding nicely detailed dog and game scenes on sides with a spaniel causing two ducks to flush on left, and a pointer pointing as a pair of partridge take wing on right. Bottom of action has small scene of a pair of bunnies, and a pair of gun dogs are on trigger guard bow. A perched cock pheasant is on bottom of safety housing. Fences are arcaded and surrounding beads have interesting scroll terminations. Top lever is inlaid with gold crown. This fine engraving work was most likely done by Harry Tomlinson, Greener's top engraver. Serial number is on trigger guard tang and "Grade G Royal" is at tip. Very nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14" over checkered horn buttplate. Fancy inlet horn drop points are at rears of side panels, and crenelated pattern borderless checkering is at grip. A gold oval on toe line is engraved "W. C. CHURCHILL". Matching splinter forend with horn tip, and fancy pattern checkering has Deeley release. CONDITION: Fine, as partially and lightly refinished. Barrels retain most of an old re-black over some marks and light pits, with considerable subsequent wear. Action retains traces of original fairly light case hardening color, is mostly a very pleasing silver to pewter gray. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish over some light marks, with some subsequent marks. Checkering has been freshened. There are some minor stress cracks at head of stock, at points of scalloping., which appear to be stable. Bores are very fine to excellent, with some minor frosting. Action is a touch loose with forend removed. Tight but slightly off face with forend installed. Ejectors are in time, fire in correct sequence, and need no regulation, as is important in "G" ejector guns. MGM 22.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .034 (R) .033
Choke
(L) .036 - Full (R) .045 - Extra Full
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .729 (R) .740
Length of Pull
14" cast 1/2" off