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LOT 1240
Cased, Finely Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Silver Mounted Joseph Egg Over/
Under “Baby Egg” Flintlock Pocket Pistol - NSN, 36 cal., 2 3/8 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/gold/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Famed London gunmaker Joseph
Egg (1775-1837) was the nephew of Durs Egg and is particularly noted for his fine
over-and-under pocket pistols, affectionately known to collectors as “Baby Eggs.” These
pistols were made in the early 19th century for Egg’s wealthy and influential clients.
Among their owners were King George IV as prince regent and his younger brother
Prince Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany. Rare examples can be found in
some of the major institutional collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art
(Accession #: 19.53.111a-d) which features a similar case and is identified as from the
Hughes of Gwerclas Family. Our current pistol is inscribed with the initials “GHL” on
the gold pommel cap while the case lid is inscribed “THL”. The pistol features blued
octagonal barrels with smooth bores, platinum lined vents, and dual gold bands
at the breech ends. The upper barrel is signed “-J*EGG*LONDON-” in gold and has
a silver blade front sight. The lower barrel is inscribed “No 1 Piccadilly London” and
is inlaid with dual gold bands at the breech end. The standing breech features
a notch rear sight and foliate engraving. Each lock plate is signed “JOSH EGG”
and features a rainproof priming-pan, scroll and sunburst engraving, external
mainspring that also serves as the frizzen spring, a sea serpent design on the
elegantly shaped cock and sliding blued safety catches. The right lock fires the
upper barrel, and the left fires the lower barrel using a single trigger. The silver
trigger-guard and pommel-cap have fine foliate engraving, faint London
hallmarks on the right side of the pommel (appear to date to 1825), and
a partially visible maker’s mark and what appears to be a “9” or a “6” on the
tail of the trigger guard tang. The blank wrist escutcheon and “GHL” inscribed
pommel cap are gold. The walnut grip is finely checkered. The ramrod is
fitted to the left. The pistol comes in a fitted mahogany case with “THL”
inscribed on the lid escutcheon, a Joseph Egg trade label inside the lid, “WD”
and “No 220” marked ball mold, barrel shaped powder flask with a compartment
in the bottom, brush, and key.
CONDITION: Very fine with bright original gold, lightly aged patina on the silver
mounts, 60% plus original blue finish, light original case colors, the hook at the front
of the right lock detached, one mainspring and safety catch replaced, and smooth
gray and brown patina. The grip is also very fine and has crisp checkering and minor
wear. The left safety needs attention; otherwise, the pistol functions fine. The case and
accessories are fine with age and storage related wear. Overall, a stunning case set
and rare example of a “Baby Egg” flintlock pistol from the Regency Era.
Estimate: 18,000 - 25,000
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