Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries! These are authentic time capsules, which we have chosen to present complete with their original, neatly applied museum ID numbers as a testament to their history. (The numbers can be easily removed with acetone, leaving no damage, but we believe they enhance the story.)
This interesting double barrel "swivel breech" pocket pistol features a unique swiveling barrel design. A single hammer fired the top barrel, after which the barrel assembly could be unlocked by bringing the hammer back to half cock. The barrel assembly could then be manually rotated to allow the second barrel to be fired. This high quality, innovative design was developed and built by Durs Egg family of English Gunsmiths.
Egg was among the most prominent figures in British firearms manufacturing during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. After apprenticing under renowned gunsmith Henry Nock, Egg open his first shop in the Haymarket, London in 1772. Egg would go on to establish himself as a key member of a talented group of London gunmakers—including John Manton and Samuel Brunn—who ushered in what some writers called the "Augustine age" of British firearms. During this period, these makers moved away from extraneous decoration, focusing instead on elegant, ergonomic designs and new technologies that enhanced accuracy, handling, and speed. Egg was particularly renowned for his double-barreled shotguns, high-precision dueling pistols, and his production of the breech-loading Ferguson rifle, which saw service with the British army. His reputation for excellence secured him high-profile patronage, earning him the title of "Gun Maker to His Majesty, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of York" by 1799. Durs Egg lost his sight around 1822 and died in 1831. His business and premises continued under his son John Egg, who traded as Durs Egg (executor) at 1 pall mall 1832-1837.
This particular pistol is marked "D. EGG" on the left side of the receiver and "London" on the right. Because of its percussion action, this gun was likely produced by Durs Egg's son, Joseph, under the "Durs Egg" name some time during the mid1830's; while Joseph attempted to capitalize on his father's reputation in the years immediately following his death before ultimately adopting his own maker's mark, "J. Egg" in 1837.
This pistol is an excellent condition. It is fully functional with a smooth, crisp action. Each of the barrels lock up well when aligned with the hammer and the is no "wiggle" of looseness between the barrel assembly and the receiver.
The action of the hammer is reliable; holding solid on both full and half cock. The folding trigger locks smartly in place against the frame, and drops down reliably when the gun is cocked - just as it should.
Visible case colors can still be seen on the body of the hammer, while the rest of the gun's metal components have taken on a beautiful "French Grey" patina with no rust or pitting.
The 2.25" barrels measure about .40 caliber. The barrels are a "turn off" design, meant to be unscrewed from the receiver in order to be loaded from the breech. Both are in excellent condition and can be unscrewed with ease. The bores of both barrels are very good with no major rust or pitting to speak.
The frame features beautiful "English Scroll" engraving with some light patina that matches the barrels. The grips are original and fit well.
