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LOT 1268
Pair of Engraved and Silver Mounted Breech Loading Boxlock
Percussion Pocket Pistols with Smooth Ivory Grips
in a Fascinating Case in the Shape of a Piano
-A) Percussion Pocket Pistol - NSN, 34 cal.,
2 1/4 inch ribbed bbl., bright/silver finish, antique ivory grips. These pistols are being
de-accessioned from the famous George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute
of Chicago (reference number 1982.2327) and are listed as dating so 1835-1845. They
feature patterned Damascus ribbed barrels marked with small “crown/V” proofs.
Liege oval “E/LG/*” proof marks are on the left at the breech of the boxlock actions
while the undersides at the breech have “C” and “2”
markings. The pistols display complex rococo scroll and
floral engraving which also continues onto the silver
accents at the tops of the smooth ivory grips. The pommel caps have small compartments
(“B” has a lion mask). The pair comes in a very attractive table top case in the shape of a piano with inlaid “keys” on
the lid. The French fit interior contains the pistols as well as a round container and a small powder flask.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct engraving, mostly silver-gray patina on the barrel and action, minor pitting, replacement
pommel compartment lid, some loss on the right silver plate, and mild wear. The grip is also fine and has some minor chips,
cracks, and repairs as well as attractive aged patina. Mechanically functions. The case is also fine and has mild age and storage
related wear including pieces of the molding detached. The flask is very fine with minimal wear. B) Percussion Pocket Pistol -
NSN, 34 cal., 2 1/4 inch ribbed bbl., bright/silver finish, antique ivory grips. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with distinct engraving, mostly silver-gray patina on the barrel and action, minor pitting, chipped nipple, aged patina on the
silver, and mild wear. The grip is very fine and has minor wear, attractive aged patina and grain, and slight age lines. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The George F. Harding Jr. Collection; The Art Institute of Chicago.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1267
Finely Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Silver Mounted Joseph Egg Over/Under “Baby Egg” Flintlock Pocket
Pistol - Serial no. 2310, 36 cal., 3 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold/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 for
Egg’s wealthy and influential clients, including King George IV and Prince Frederick
Augustus, Duke of York and Albany. This c. 1818 example has an unidentified crest
engraved on the gold wrist escutcheon and a coat of arms engraved on the gold
pommel cap. A similar pistol from the W. Keith Neal Collection is illustrated in W. Keith
Neal & D.H.L. Back, “British Gunmakers: Their Trade Cards, Cases, and Equipment”,
plates 348-349, and a pair from the J.F. Hayward Collection is held in the Collections
of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (accession number: M.2802&A-1931). The pistol features
blued tapering octagonal barrels with smooth bores and platinum lined vents. The upper barrel
is signed “-J*EGG*LONDON-” in gold and has a silver blade front sight and a gold band and
gold clouds inlaid at the breech end. 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 “JOS- EGG- PATENT” 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 base of 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. The walnut grip is finely checkered.
The ramrod is fitted to the left. The serial number, “2310”, is
marked on the back of each lock.
CONDITION: Fine with 40% original blue finish, bright
original gold inlays, light aged patina on the silver, mostly
crisp engraving throughout aside from the partially
rubbed coat of arms on the pommel, gray and brown
patina on the faded areas, minor oxidation/pitting, and
general mild overall wear suggesting this innovative
pocket pistol was actually carried. The grip is also fine and
has distinct checkering with mild handling wear and some minor
scratches and dings. The left appears to have had some alterations/repairs and the full-cock notch and safety
aren’t effective; otherwise, the pistol is mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive example of the always rare
and desirable “Baby Egg” pistols.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000