The Greener Air Rifle

The Greener Air Rifle.

See also this post:

https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery.com/milewski-john-airgun-world-articles/john-milewski-agw-article-greener-air-rifle-08-2009/#post-1025

On the subject of numbers, a noted vintage airgun collector has said: "I have seen No.3, although the number was stamped only on major parts and not stamped on the breech block as is usual. That was a typical cam back, and was stamped with one of the 4 inscriptions that Greener used on these air rifles.

I have seen several in the 800's but never one with a number in the 900's so I am happy to think that well under 1000 made?

I have also seen another Greener with the serial number 3, no cam back and with the full maker's name and 'St.Mary's Street...' address stamped on the back of the cylinder. A very early pre production I would think?

As ever with small volume air guns there were variations during the course of early production, but in general Greeners have the cam lever, serial number and calibre on the breech block side, inscription to the centre of the cylinder, (either single line or 3 line) and a serial number less than 900."

On another occasion he remarked: "There are essentially 4 cylinder inscriptions for the cam-back Greener - as follows: (There is a fifth which is found on a tiny number of very early rifles, and these bear the 'St.Mary's Row' address.)

W.W.GREENER LONDON & BIRMINGHAM (Nos 274 287 300)

The Greener Air Rifle
W.W.Greener Ltd London & Birmingham
Patent Applied For (Nos 213 234 235 349)

The Greener Air Rifle
W.W.Greener Ltd London & Birmingham
Patent No 411520 (No 389 known)

W.W.GREENER MAKER BIRMINGHAM (Nos 291 337 578 592 600 665 796 798 841 863 are known)

Greeners with the 3rd inscription are by far the hardest to find."

With many thanks to John M for these pics.

This pic copyright Holts: