Lot 319

Massive W. W. Greener 8-Bore Backaction Hammer Double Rifle

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Massive W. W. Greener 8-Bore Backaction Hammer Double Rifle

Estimate: $16,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $14,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Massive South Africa Shipped W. W. Greener 8-Bore Backaction Hammer Dangerous Game Double Rifle with Case Completed c. 1876 according to page 198 of Graham Greener's "The Greener Story", this fine 8-bore double rifle was then shipped to William & John Rawbone of Cape Town, South Africa. This rifle would have been an exceptional companion for either a professional hunter or a sportsman heading into the interior in pursuit of dangerous game like rhino, elephant, or cape buffalo. These 8-bore rifles were capable of firing a 1,250 grain projectile at a velocity of up to 1,500 feet per second, equating to over 7,000 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle, that is enough energy to put down even the hardiest game Africa has to offer. The 8-bore was consider the largest "practical" rifle chambering and was used with great success by many ivory hunters in the latter part of the 19th century. Though the 8-bore was eventually pushed out by the advent of Nitro Express family of cartridges around the turn of the century, to this day rifles like this live on and hold a special place in the heart of any sportsman that has ever hunted Africa. Built with massive browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a blade fore sight with protective ears and a four-leaf (one standing, three folding) rear sight on the matted flat solid rib which is marked "W.W. GREENER PATENT No. 3084/TREBLE GRIP FAST" and MADE FOR Wm & Jno RAWBONE. CAPE TOWN", sling stud on under rib, period Birmingham proof marks on the flats, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the equally scaled Jones Underlever backaction which shows light scroll engraving on the small parts and is marked "W.W. GREENER" on either lockplate. The rifle features an early version of Greener's famous crossbolt, non-rebounding hammers, and double triggers (front slightly articulated). The rifle is fitted with a nicely figured and large panel checkered splinter forend with casehardened iron and a wedge fastener as well as a beautifully figured pistol grip stock with multi-point checkering at the wrist, horn grip cap, blank stock oval, rear sling stud, and a smooth blued steel buttplate. Includes a maker's oak and leather flat case with "W.M.L." on the lid and containing cleaning tools, loading tools (many of which are casehardened), four bullet molds, turnscrews, an oil bottle, and snap caps. Length of pull 14 1/8 inches. Weight 15 lbs. 6 oz.

Manufacturer: Greener

Model: Double Rifle

BBL: 24 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 8 bore

Finish: brown/blue/casehardened

Serial Number16212

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 95% brown finish, 99% blue and casehardened finishes, attractive Damascus patterns, some patches of light pitting, light handling evidence, some dings and scratches on the wood, and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically functions. The case is very good and the accessories are very good-fine. This is a fantastic opportunity to own a fine large bore British double rifle that certainly has a story to tell!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000