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LOT 281
Cased Pair of Silver Mounted and Gold Inlaid Durs Egg Flintlock Dueling Pistols -A) D. Egg Flintlock Pistol - NSN,
45 cal., 10 inch flat top round bbl., brown/gold/casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. This ornate pair of pistols features
silver mounts with London silver hallmarks for 1780 and the maker’s mark “I•K” (John King). The smoothbore Damascus
barrels have full-length sighting flats fitted with silver blade front sights and dovetailed notch rear sights and signed “D.
EGG, LONDON” in gold inlay, and the breech ends have dual gold bands and gold lined vents. The flat beveled detented
locks are also signed “D Egg” and featured frizzen rollers. The locks and standing breeches feature trophy of arms and floral
engraving. The pistols are equipped with adjustable single set triggers. The mounts and stock inlays are silver. The trigger
guards feature floral patterns. The pommel caps display a battle fought between two mounted men, one with his horse
downed and aiming his pistol at the other who is slashing with a sword. The elaborate wire inlays include martial trophy
designs by the standing breeches. The scrolling inlays on the left stock flats include “GR” from the Royal monogram partially
covered by a trefoil floral inlay as well as a caduceus bisecting a branch set on a torse. The stocks and ramrods have horn
tips. The pair comes in green baize lined mahogany case with a later trade label for c. 1805-1817, a rod, screwdriver, some
balls, and a “48” and “DP” marked ball mold.
This pair was displayed as part of Norman R. Blank’s collection at the NRA in 2004 (framed photo of the display included).
They had previously been sold at the auction of the Winfrid Ward Collection in 1993 and were noted as “Acquired from
E.R. Opperman, of Alton, Hants in about 1965 and as featured in “Country Life” from November 7, 1963, on p. 1173. A
letter to Opperman from Country Life in 1963 is included. The “GR” and caduceus on the left side of the stock was noted
as suggesting they were made for King George III possibly in association with physician Sir George Baker, 1st Baronet
(1722-1809). Baker attended King George III during his famous bouts with madness. The caduceus had historically been
associated with commerce, alchemy, and pharmacies but also
had historical precedent being used by royal physicians.
CONDITION: Fine with re-browned barrel, bright gold inlays,
attractive aged patina on the silver, dark case colors and patina
on the lock, crisp designs throughout, sharp checkering, and fairly
minor wear including some dings and scratches. Mechanically
fine. The case and accessories are good with mild age and storage
related wear.
B) D. Egg Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 10 inch flat top round
bbl., brown/gold/casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with re-browned barrel, bright gold inlays, dark
case colors and patina on the lock, attractive aged patina on the
silver mounts, crisp engraving and markings, sharp checkering,
minor cracks and scrapes on the stock, and generally minor
overall age and storage related wear. Mechanically fine. Overall,
a very attractive cased pair with interesting potential historical
connections.
Provenance: The E.R. Opperman Collection; The Wilfrid Ward
Collection; The Everett Collection, Jackson Arms, 1963; The
Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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