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LOT 265
Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Silver Mounted Joseph Egg Over/Under
“Baby Egg” Flintlock Pocket Pistol - NSN, 31 cal., 2 3/4 inch octagon
bbl., blue/gold/casehardened/silver finish, checkered 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 for Egg’s wealthy
and influential clients in the early 19th century, including King George IV
and Prince Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany. This example has a
cornet over a “K” engraved on the gold wrist escutcheon. The pistol features
blued tapering octagonal barrels with smooth bores, “J•EGG LONDON-” signed
in gold on both barrels, a silver bead front
sight, a gold band inlaid at the breech end
of each barrel, and platinum lined vents. No
proof marks or serial numbers are noted.
Each lock plate is signed “JOS•EGG” and
features a guttered priming pan, scroll and
sunburst engraving, external mainspring that
also serves as the frizzen spring, and sliding
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
has border, martial, and foliate engraving.
The pommel is engraved en suite and features
a lion mask pommel cap with a lanyard
swivel held by the lion’s teeth. The
walnut grip is finely checkered. The
iron ramrod is fitted to the left.
CONDITION: Fine with 60% period
refinished blue finish, bright original gold
inlays, light aged patina on the silver,
mostly crisp engraving throughout, gray
and brown patina on the faded areas,
and general minor overall wear. The grip
is also fine and has distinct checkering,
faint cracks, and light handling wear. The
right safety is not effective; otherwise, the
pistol is mechanically fine. Overall, a very
attractive example of the iconic
“Baby Egg” pistols.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000