Info on old Greener Martini action shotgun

[chrispy88]

Hi all, I'm after some info on an old Greener single barrel martini action 12g shotgun that an old bloke I know wants to sell. Problem is we have no idea what it is worth!

He took some pics this arvo (attached). He is 69 and it belonged to his father. What I believe to be the serial number (stamped between the trigger guard and fore end) is 20750, with a sort of upside down A in front of it. On the side of the breech is says W.W. Greener Baker Birmingham England. The proof marks on the barrel are :
18 (?)
BV with a crown above it
BP with a crown above it
NV with a crown above it
12 (in a diamond) 2 3/4" CHC
Nitro proof 1 1/4 oz

If anyone could tell me anything about it, it would be very much appreciated. I've heard some are worth money while others aren't worth 2 tenths of F-A.

IMG_20150223_184200.jpg (632.22 KiB) Viewed 8150 times

IMG_20150223_184220.jpg (603.24 KiB) Viewed 8150 times

IMG_20150223_184236.jpg (761.9 KiB) Viewed 8150 times

IMG_20150223_184249.jpg (981.2 KiB) Viewed 8150 times

Thank you in advance.

[Warrigul]

A takedown barrel martini, very very nice.

The action itself is at least $500.

Not suitable for higher powered rifle cartridges like the solid action ones are but still okay for a low powered 45/70 etc

Lookup "GP Greener" there is a wealth out there.

I have seen a couple of the solid actions converted to big bore rifles but never a split.I had the makings of a big bore martini but traded it for a MLM.

I don't know much about them really.

[1290]

I'll add a martini to the stable one day.....Missed out on what looked an unfired GP 12g for $400 at a show a few years back....

But this one is interesting, I didnt know the shotties came in take down, interesting...

All those markings are proof marks for smokeless and black powder, proof load, bore, cartridge size, inspection mark, and the upside down A could be a V?? in just guessing but if its a V the google tells me 1940/41....

[chrispy88]

Ok very interesting. Yeah maybe it is a V. Most of the information I've found online centres around the ones designed for the specially made bottlenecked cartridges to prevent their use if they fell into the wrong hands.

So Warrigul would you say most of the value in it is the action's potential as a project for someone?

The guy who owns it said if I can find a cheap 22 5 shot repeater with a scope I can have the shotgun, about 50 Winchester Super X shells and a single shot Lithgow 22. He doesnt care what brand the 22 is, just for the odd rabbit. I must say I'm interested in it, I hadnt even seen a Martini in the flesh before.

[Warrigul]

Ok very interesting. Yeah maybe it is a V. Most of the information I've found online centres around the ones designed for the specially made bottlenecked cartridges to prevent their use if they fell into the wrong hands.

So Warrigul would you say most of the value in it is the action's potential as a project for someone?

The guy who owns it said if I can find a cheap 22 5 shot repeater with a scope I can have the shotgun, about 50 Winchester Super X shells and a single shot Lithgow 22. He doesnt care what brand the 22 is, just for the odd rabbit. I must say I'm interested in it, I hadnt even seen a Martini in the flesh before.

These are my humble opinions and others may disagree but,

If the barrel is in good order and you were to buy him a new savage package for say $420 you would be in front and you wouldn't be ripping him off..

I would keep it as a shotgun, but that is just me.

ATM there are two on used guns in the shotgun section, one for $475 the other $600, it is up to you to judge the condition of this one.

[1290]

Agree on the keeping it as a shotty... as long as the bore looks good, and the few moving parts are operational, the surface rust is no prob, you can refinish the outside and it will look great!

On abused guns you can find 22 repeater from 150.... a cheap scope and bobs your auntie

[chrispy88]

The bore looks really good. All moving parts seem in order without actually being able to fire it. Would look great returned to its former glory. I would keep as a shotty.

Will look for a reasonable but cheap 22 for him. Thanks for your help guys.

[Gregg]

ATM there are two on used guns in the shotgun section, one for $475 the other $600, it is up to you to judge the condition of this one.

Looks pretty decent.. if OP wanted to increase the value a little steel wool and rust remove would probably improve things significantly for minimal effort.

[chrispy88]

I might try exactly that Gregg. Cheers.

Would this have had a blued finish when new or some sort of other coating? Would like to look into getting it redone if price is not prohibitive and would like to keep it as per original.

[Gregg]

Would have been blued looking at it.

Restoration shouldn't be costly. $30 for some steel wool and a bluing solution pack or thereabouts.

[Sakoh]

Would this have had a blued finish when new or some sort of other coating? Would like to look into getting it redone if price is not prohibitive and would like to keep it as per original.

Just posted these in another topic on bluing, might be useful to you.

How to Polish a Rifle Barrel to Prepare It for Bluing

How to Blue a Rifle Barrel Using Cold Blue

[chrispy88]

Cheers guys

[Sakoh]

All good