I recently acquired a utility grade W.W. Greener, 12 Gauge SxS "Forester's" shotgun, built around 1895. The barrels appear to be 'single-iron Damascus pattern'. The bores are quite nice and I am debating shooting it with black powder shot-shells. (In all honesty, I am quite afraid of Damascus barrels. However, the action of the Greener is so smooth and crisp, it begs to be used).

I shot some pictures today of the W.W. Greener beside an East German made 'Simson', built in 1951 (851 = August 1951). The E. German shotgun was probably made by Merkle, since the Simson factory was consigned to making Mopeds, by the Communists. It is a 'Greener' style action. I bought it 'used', last year and it must have lived in a closet for over 60 years! It is stiff and tight from its 'newness'.

I am infatuated by a nicely made double barreled shotgun, much like a Krag. It must be the workmanship, simplicity, and ergonomics.

Nice SxS

'reincarnated': Thanks for the sobering reply. I will check into the option of 'inserts'.

When I was 17, I came home with a beautiful Wilkes Barre 12 bore double, an upland bird gun.  My grandfather forbid me to shoot it and told me about his father's accident.  Grampa was a tool & die maker.  He made me a set of 410 inserts.