Flintlock pistol
Durs Egg (1748 - 1831)
Category
Arms and armour
Date
circa 1780
Materials
wood, iron, brass & silver
Measurements
370 mm (L)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180501.1
Summary
Firearm. One of a pair of flintlock pistols, c1780, by Durs Egg, London, each with a silver escutcheon bearing the Powis Crest. Durs Egg, a Swiss émigré, was one of the most celebrated gunmakers of the time and was appointed gunmaker to George IV and Duke of York.
Full description
One of a pair of English flintlock pistols, c1780, made for an officer by Durs Egg, gunmaker, London (fl.1778 -1831). Egg, a Swiss émigré, was one of the most celebrated gunmakers of the time and was appointed gunmaker to George IV and Duke of York. Round iron barrel of military carbine bore, formed with a flat top, the breech end signed in script D. EGG, LONDON. Engraved false breech and barrel tang formed with a raise rear sight. The muzzle has a brass blade foresight. Retained to the stock by 2 barrel slides. Wooden ramrod with horn tip and steel worm. Length 22.8cm. Calibre 17mm (16 bore). Walnut full stock with an early form of chequering (large diamond panels with cross marks) to grip. Engraved brass furniture comprising; buttcap, French-form trigger guard with decorative finial and 2 ramrod pipes. Escutcheon engraved with a wyvern (the Herbert family crest). Flintlock; the plate of flat form with bevelled edges and a stepped tail, engraved and signed in script D. EGG. Fitted with a bolt safety catch behind the cock. Retained to the stock by 1 sidenail. Overall length: 37.5cm
Provenance
Accepted by HM Treasury on 21st March, 1963 in lieu of tax and conveyed to National Trust ownership on 29th November 1963.
Marks and inscriptions
Rear top of barrel: D. EGG, LONDON
Makers and roles
Durs Egg (1748 - 1831), maker
References
Blackmore, 1986: Howard Blackmore: A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850