A Pair Of 50-Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistols by Durs Egg, London, Circa 1775. Reconverted from percussion, with slightly swamped rebrowned octagonal sighted barrels stamped respectively with Irish Waterford Borough registration marks 'WB215' and 'WB216' on the top flat, engraved breeches each incorporating a back-sight and with silver-lined touch-hole, plain tangs, flat bevelled locks each signed in script and with stepped tail, figured full stocks (fore-ends with minor splits) with swelling flat-sided butts, iron trigger-guards each with acorn finial, ramrod-pipes, dark horn fore-end caps, and original horn-tipped ramrods, London proof marks: in an associated pistol box, lined in green baise and with all accessories including three-way powder flask, turn-screw and loading rod. The lid with flush fitting brass carrying handle.

Footnotes

These pistols are similar to those of the same period made by John Twigg, for whom Durs Egg worked for some time after his arrival in London. They are among the earliest pistols by Durs Egg so far recorded. For a very similar pair see Christie's London, The Wilfrid Ward Collection of Antique Firearms, 27 October 1993, lot 94

These pistols were the inspiration for The Judas Pair, written by Jonathan Gash and published in 1977, the first of the Lovejoy series of novels. The pistols are illustrated on the front cover of the book

Durs Egg

Son of Leonz Egg, gunmaker, Switzerland. Born 1748, baptised Urs Christian. After a short stay in Paris, came to London and worked for John Twigg, 1772. Granted denization in 1791. Gunmaker & Sword Cutler. Became gunmaker to George IV & Duke of York. Renowned for his fine workmanship. 

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London 1350-1850, George Shumway Publishing, York, Pennsylvania, USA. 

Dimensions:

Bore: 50 Bore

Barrel Length: 10 Inches (25.40 cm)

Overall Length: 14.5 Inches (36.83 cm)