Page 180 - 88-BOOK3

LOT 3264
Cased Pair
of Engraved,
Gold Inlaid
D. Egg Half-
Stock Flintlock
Dueling Pistols
-A) D. Egg
Dueling Pistol -
Serial no. 807, 53
cal., 9 3/8 inch
octagon bbl.,
brown/gold/
casehardened/
blue finish,
walnut stock.
These pistols
incorporate Durs
Egg’s vented
frizzen design
which includes
a groove and
“chimney” which
allow air to
escape from the
vent and out of
the pan through
the frizzen. The
edge of the
frizzen against
the barrel also
has a semi-
circular design
that partially
encapsulates
the pan. When
the sliding
half-cock safeties are
engaged, a small projection also secures the frizzen in the closed position. The frizzens are marked “D-EGG/PATENT.” Flintlocks
were traditionally primed before the main charge, and, when the main load is loaded down the barrel, air is displaced out the
vent. This design ensured that the air could escape the pan but kept the powder in. Joseph Manton’s patent no. 2722 from July 6,
1803, was designed for the same results and noted that his design ensured there was powder at the vent hole to ensure ignition.
In “The Manton Supplement” by Neal and Back on page 117, the author’s note that Colonel Peter Hawker credited John and
Joseph Manton and Durs Egg with coming up with their own related vent designs and credits Joseph Manton as the first. Another
pair of pistols, serial number 823, with the same lock design was featured in Man at Arms in April 2004 in the article “Duellers
with a Powder Flask for Adjustable Charges” by Bernard Dickens. The smoothbore barrels have fixed brass blade front sights, “-D.
EGG*LONDON-” on top in gold, dual gold bands on the breech plugs, and platinum vent lines. The bottom of the barrels have
“807,”“WF,” and London proofs. The breech plug hooks, inside of the forends, and inside of the lock are also marked “807.” The
floral engraved standing breeches have dovetailed notch rear sights. The locks have guttered pans, the noted vented frizzens and
half-cock safeties, frizzen spring rollers, “D. Egg” signed at the center, and engraving. The wrist escutcheons are gold, the wedge
escutcheons are silver, and the remaining furniture is blued and features mainly floral engraving. The half-length stock has a
fairly short and narrow wrist. The ramrods are marked with the matching serial number “807.” The pair comes in a custom fitted
case with a reproduction Egg trade label inside the lid, a three-way combination powder flask, mallet, cleaning and loading rods,
“PALMER” marked punch, “36” bore marked mold, “NIMROD” marked oiler, and a few lead balls.
CONDITION: Fine with most of the period refurbished brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns visible along the barrel, bright gold and platinum, traces of original case colors and blue finish, dark aged patina on the silver, and general mild overall wear including some light oxidation. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has minor storage wear. The otherwise good flask has a broken and glued lever. The other accessories are mostly very good with mild wear. B) D. Egg Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 807, 53 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/gold/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with most of the period refurbished brown finish and Damascus patterns visible along the barrel, bright gold and platinum, aged patina on the silver, light original case colors, strong original blue on the inside of the trigger guard, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and some minor oxidation and pitting. The stock is also fine and has attractive figure and grain, crisp checkering, and several light scratches and dings. The set trigger needs some adjustments, but the lock is mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive, classic pair of English dueling pistols from the shop of the innovative gunmaker Durs Egg.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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