Wm. Greenfell 10 Bore Double: Information and Repair Guidance

[Splitear]

I recently worked a deal with a friend and found myself with this neat old 10 bore double. I’d blush if I told anyone what I ended up having invested in it.

The locks are marked “Wm. Greenfell” and the barrels are Birmingham proofed. If anyone has information on the maker, I would enjoy learning more about it’s history.

The barrels seem sound, and I would like to repair and do a slight restoration (re-brown) and get it shooting some light loads for small game hunting.

Right now the left side lock will not lock. I have narrowed it to a weak sear spring not forcing the sear to seat on the lock. It also needs to have the hammer screw replaced. Does anyone know where I might find parts or someone who I could send the lock to for repair?

 

[Splitear]

Bumping this back up for advice on lock repair.

 

[Dave Marsh]

Can't help much other than to suggest you talk to Brad Emig at Cabin Creek about the lock. I have had him repair/tune several flintlocks. I would imagine he does the same for percussion but don't know for sure. Call him. Nice guy. Good luck. https://cabincreek.net/

 

[SOLANCO]

I have misplaced my book listing British gun builders. That said, there is, or was, an outfitter named Greenfell. I wonder if the gun was made for them for their trade.

 

[Dave Marsh]

Looks like a really nice double. You might want to consider having Brad tune both. I would do that if it were my gun. Talk to Brad.

 

[Splitear]

Can't help much other than to suggest you talk to Brad Emig at Cabin Creek about the lock. I have had him repair/tune several flintlocks. I would imagine he does the same for percussion but don't know for sure. Call him. Nice guy. Good luck. https://cabincreek.net/

Thanks, I’ll call them tomorrow.

 

[Splitear]

Looks like a really nice double. You might want to consider having Brad tune both. I would do that if it were my gun. Talk to Brad.

Yes, good idea sending both, thanks!

 

[Splitear]

Can't help much other than to suggest you talk to Brad Emig at Cabin Creek about the lock. I have had him repair/tune several flintlocks. I would imagine he does the same for percussion but don't know for sure. Call him. Nice guy. Good luck. https://cabincreek.net/

Thanks for the suggestion. I spoke with Brad yesterday, and though reluctant to take on an old percussion lock, he did agree to work on it, and it’s now on its way to PA for repair.
He’s seems like a heck of a nice guy.

 

[Eterry]

Bumping this back up for advice on lock repair.

There were many serviceable guns made everywhere where the name was a play on words of a famous gunmaker.

Wm. Greenfell is an apparent spin on WW. Greener.

I'd drop by the gunbuilders bench and ask about repairing the lock.

Also, British double guns were known to be brazed, not silver soldered as Belgium guns.
Any heat applied to the barrels and you'll run a great risk of them separating.

 

[Feltwad]

I recently worked a deal with a friend and found myself with this neat old 10 bore double. I’d blush if I told anyone what I ended up having invested in it.

The locks are marked “Wm. Greenfell” and the barrels are Birmingham proofed. If anyone has information on the maker, I would enjoy learning more about it’s history.

The barrels seem sound, and I would like to repair and do a slight restoration (re-brown) and get it shooting some light loads for small game hunting.

Right now the left side lock will not lock. I have narrowed it to a weak sear spring not forcing the sear to seat on the lock. It also needs to have the hammer screw replaced. Does anyone know where I might find parts or someone who I could send the lock to for repair?

There were many serviceable guns made everywhere where the name was a play on words of a famous gunmaker.

Wm. Greenfell is an apparent spin on WW. Greener.

I'd drop by the gunbuilders bench and ask about repairing the lock.

Also, British double guns were known to be brazed, not silver soldered as Belgium guns.
Any heat applied to the barrels and you'll run a great risk of them separating.

What you have is a very late percussion , built approx. 1891-1896 by the then company know has Greenfell & Accles Ltd at the engineering works Perry Barr which was the former Arms and Munitions works owned by Henry Greenfell
Has for your lock this is mainly the sear spring which is just home made and too weak

 

[Splitear]

Just an update. I believe I have fixed this old gun with the expertise of Brad Emig and JB Weld Metal putty.

I sent the lock to Cabin Creek, and after what was a pricey but quality repair, the left hand lock was back in business. However, upon reinstalling the lock, I discovered that the rear trigger was not pushing the sear high enough to release the lock.

I attempted an amateur soldering job, which failed miserably. Then I decided to explore the fantastical world of JB Weld. Using their metal putty, I built up around the sear so that the trigger would engage it. It took a little filing once the putty set, but the lock is running great and the rear trigger is reliably releasing the lock.

I’m so happy to have this done and dusted, it’s been bugging me for some time. Now I just need to get out and shoot it.