W.W. Greener Dual Trigger Hammerless Sidelock, Brown & Engraved Case Colored 27 ¾” Side by Side SxS Ejector Shotgun, MFD 1895 Antique
LSB#: 161014FS02
Make: W.W. Greener
Model: Dual Trigger Hammerless Sidelock Shotgun
Serial Number: 39426
Year of Manufacture: 1895 (http://www.doublegunshop.com/dgsnos2.htm)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Dual Trigger, Hammerless Sidelock Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The top of the barrel set rib is marked “PATENTED / WEDGE FAST” in oval, next to “W.W. GREENER 68 HAYMARKET LONDON ENGLAND, WINNER AT THE LONDON GUN TRIALS 1875, 1877, 1878 & 1879”. The underside of both barrel are marked with the serial number, company Elephant logo and crown “BP” proof, the underside of the left barrel is also marked “G”. The underside of the barrel flats, on both sides, are marked “ENGLAND / 13”, with “B/P/C” in crossed scepter, topped with a crown, three times, along with “12/C” in diamond and “CHOKE”. The lower tang is marked with the serial number, also found on top of the forend bracket and watertable of the receiver; this area is also marked “1863 / PATENT / 2003”, an elephant mark, “ENGLAND” and “B/P/C” in crossed scepter, topped with a crown. The receiver and its components have absolutely beautiful scroll and semi-rosette engraving, found again on the forend bracket and lever. The left of the stock has a window that presents a thumb safety marked “SAFE” in gold.
Barrel Length: 27 ¾”
Choke: The right barrel measures 0.005” (expanded from 0.00” at the muzzle) about 6” back from the muzzle, which measures 0.729”. The left barrel measures 0.002 (expanded from 0.00” at the muzzle) about 6” back from the muzzle, which measures 0.734”.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead, screwed into the solid, concave rib, which tapers from 0.420” at the breech to 0.32” at the muzzles.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set with crisp fit to the metal, the stocks have not been refinished and retain sharply defined checkering. The splinter forend has a polished ox bone tip insert, which has a small chip loss, the checkers show some faint compression. The butt stock has a rounded, flank checkered pistol grip and superb grain in a hash marked pattern, please see our pictures! The wood shows scuff and a few mild scrapes, there are no visible cracks and the fit to metal is sharp. Drop at comb is 1 ½”, drop at heel is 2”, the stock has a very slight cast-on profile, with that of the heel being about half the pitch of the toe. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the rear trigger and 14 3/8” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the checkered ox horn butt plate; the plate has heavy parasite damages on the heel area, along with smaller holes on the bottom; the heel damages look as though parasites that resided under the surface; the plate is in about Good condition for its age. The stocks rate in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Trigger Guard, Browned Twist Pattern Barrel Set, Case Colored Forend Bracket & Receiver with “SAFE” in Gold Plate
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mid gray, with a few scattered bumps that translated from marks on the outside of the barrel set. There is light to moderate depth erosion; the moderate erosion is found infrequently.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is strong finish remaining on areas of the trigger guard, lower tang, underside of the receiver, under the top lever and on top of the forend bracket. The other areas have handling rub wear, small marks and areas of dark erosion. The twist pattern is still found faintly displayed, becoming stronger in protected areas . This shotgun looks like most of the finish was worn by honest handling. There is a strong mark on top of the rib near the breech, the checkering of the top lever has compression. The screw heads are moderately tooled but still serviceable. The engravings and markings are crisply defined. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The triggers have strong springs and a crisp release. The ejectors function well and there is no play in the construction of the shotgun. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 13oz. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._W._Greener “Production of Greener weapons started in 1829, when W. Greener began manufacturing his muzzleloaders. W. Greener was the first to discard vent holes in breeches. He was also instrumental in improving the hardness and quality of barrels, by using more steel in their manufacture. He also improved the Harpoon Gun and his model was the one adopted by the Scottish Fisheries, and is still in use today. His greatest innovation was the invention of the expanding rifle bullet.” His greatest innovation may have been the bullet, but this shotgun is testament to how well the company carried on after his death in 1869. This 1895 made side by side is simply beautiful and shows honest handling on its metal surfaces, which still retain areas of beautiful case colored and blue finishes. Whether it’s the solid construction, wood to metal fit or crisp action, this shotgun is sure to look great in your collection. Please see our pictures and good luck.
