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LOT 289
Very Fine Engraved and Gold Inlaid Durs Egg Over/Under Flintlock Pistol - NSN,
65 cal., 8 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/gold finish, walnut grips.
Durs Egg (1748-1831) was one of the finest gunmakers in London in the late 1700s and
early 1800s. He was born in Switzerland, trained in Solothurn and Paris, emigrated to
United Kingdom in 1772, worked for John Twigg, opened his own shop in 1778, served
as a gunmaker to the Prince of Wales, and was the co-creator of one of the first airship
designs. Unfortunately, he was blinded in 1822, but the business carried on under
his name long after his death. Egg’s firearms were manufactured in a wide variety of
patterns, all with an eye towards overall quality, and over/under or “superposed” pistols
were one of his specialties. This late 18th century example is a single trigger version
and was likely made for use as a sidearm by a British officer. Each of the smoothbore
Damascus barrels has “D. EGG, LONDON.” in gold inlay, dual gold bands at the breech
end, and a gold lined touch hole. The upper barrel has a fixed nickel-silver blade front
sight, a dovetailed notch rear sight, and a pair of Ordnance private proofs on the left.
The flat beveled locks are each signed “D Egg” in script and have gold lined priming
pans, frizzen spring rollers, half-cock safeties, stepped tails and burst, foliate, and martial
engraving patterns. The standing breech and steel mounts have coordinating engraving,
and the checkered bag shaped grip has a blank gold escutcheon. An iron ramrod with
knurling on the front section is fitted to the right side between the barrels.
CONDITION: Very good with essentially all of the professionally re-browned finish
remaining on the barrels along with attractive Damascus patterns, bright gold,
some traces of original blue and casehardened finish, mostly dark gray patina on the
balance, some slight pitting, and minor overall wear. The engraving and markings are
distinct. The grip is fine and has crisp checkering and some light dings and scratches.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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