|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
Forums10
Topics39,514
Posts562,221
Members14,590
| |
Most Online9,918
Jul 28th, 2025
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9 |
Greetings! I am curious when, approximately, a Greener Emperor, with a serial in the 42000 range was made. It has Laminated barrels, is self opening, extractors, and the typical Greener side safety. The only thing that frightens me, is the single selective trigger. I have read so many negative comments on English single selective triggers, here in the forum, that it makes me a bit leery. Overall, the gun looks like it was well maintained. I am comfortable with disassembling and cleaning antique firearms, but am hesitant on this one if it ever needs repairs on the trigger. I do not own the gun, but am just doing a bit of homework. This would be my first non-U.S. shotgun, and my first single trigger gun. Thank you, and, Cheers!
GMC(SW) - USN, Retired (1978-2001)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,451 Likes: 278
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,451 Likes: 278 |
The trigger is not likely to be a Greener trigger. Post pictures of the trigger, all views, so we can tell you what it is and whether is has a good reputation.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9
Sidelock
|
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9 |
http://www.pugsguns.com/findItem.action?id=2403Here is a link to the gun in question. It appears as though the trigger plate was designed as a single trigger set-up. See how the plate is extended to the side to accomodate the selector? This extension is missing from the opposite side of the plate.
GMC(SW) - USN, Retired (1978-2001)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 617
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 617 |
That does look like the Greener single trigger blade (patented in 1898. From the gun and its development) I'm not sure if these were selective though.
Mr Hadoke states that only about 45 of these guns (the Emperor) were ever made. Could be a very interesting shotgun ?
Last edited by El Garro; 03/24/13 07:46 PM.
Rust never sleeps !
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
In the Greener Story, Graham Greener states that the Emperor was the precursor to the Empire Model. The 1st was made Mar 20, 1894 with serial number 41954. They only produced a few of these a year. Production stopped in 1899.
On page 128 he has a picture of the single trigger. It is a dead ringer for the gun in your link. The selector is next to the trigger.
There were several grades, Best 60 guineas, Medium 45, 25 and 20 guineas depending on the engraving and the Inexpensive Grade for 16 Guineas. Production of these guns stopped in 1899. He estimates 40 - 50 were made (the 1896-1898 book is missing).
Pete
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9
Sidelock
|
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9 |
Thank you for the good info. I appreciate it. I am curious as to the grade of this gun. The shop is not too far away, much to my wife's chagrin!
Last edited by Roundsworth; 03/24/13 10:22 PM.
GMC(SW) - USN, Retired (1978-2001)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 227
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 227 |
Round....email Graham Greener and ask him...send him pictures and what you can...he responded to me with a detailed description of my Monarch facile Principt( sp)... Gave me the grade , even who did the engraving....it turned out as a F-40 ( non ejector, an F-45 if ejector)... Yours looks to be an A & D action...great communication from him...PM me and I will give you his direct email or I can get him on LinkedIn...
Last edited by Condor; 03/24/13 10:41 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 617
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 617 |
Just out of curiosity, we're the guns in question a flat mainspring type and the ejector model a different design ?
Rust never sleeps !
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115 |
Quite a bit in Greener's book. It states that the first Emperor was started on 20th. March 1894 serial number 41954. Approx 45 made in total in three grades. Best Grade - the Royal at 60 guineas. Medium Grade at 45, 25 and 20 guineas and the Inexpensive grade without engraving at 16 guineas. The book shows an example with a single trigger and also one in single 4 bore owned by one of the Greener family. It says that company archives have details of 24 emperors as one of the record books is missing. Let's hope that yours is not in the missing book and details can be obtained.
Single triggers are like automatic transmission in motor vehicles; progress, but in the wrong direction. Lagopus.....
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9
Sidelock
|
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 279 Likes: 9 |
Well, based on a pleasant phone conversation, I am going to look at the Greener tomorrow morning. As I stated above, my knowledge of single triggers is pert near nil. If I open the action, are both sears set, or does this set-up require inertia from recoil to set the sear for the second shot? If I put snap caps in the gun and close the action, will two activations of the trigger produce the desired effect? I was reading an article in a DGJ that mentioned four different types of single triggers in British guns, but did not mention Greener. Thank you all for your help!
Last edited by Roundsworth; 03/25/13 07:20 PM.
GMC(SW) - USN, Retired (1978-2001)
|
|
|
|
|
