Manufactured c. 1785 by Swiss born gunmaker Durs Egg (1748-1831). Egg was established in London by 1772, and his shop produced a wide array of high quality firearms, including his distinctive over/under pistols which found favor with the British Royal Family, and he worked as a private gunmaker, Ordnance contractor, and gunmaker to King George IV and the Duke of York. The barrels feature eight-groove rifling, blade and notch sights on the upper barrel, a crowned "D. EGG/LONDON" gold-lined sunken maker's mark on top at the breech, upper gold band, gold vent liners, and London proof and view marks situated on the lower left flat of the upper barrel and the upper left flat of the lower barrel. A belt hook is fitted to the lower left flat, and an iron ramrod is fitted on the underside. The locks are each signed "D Egg" and have burst, foliate, and martial trophy engraving patterns, frizzen rollers, and stepped tails with sliding safeties. The iron mounts are engraved en suite. The locks are fired using a single trigger set to trip the right lock and upper barrel first. The mahogany stock has raised relief floral carving and a flat sided bag shaped grip. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine with distinct markings and engraving, traces of original finish, bright original gold, gray and brown patina on the balance, minor oxidation, and generally fairly minor age and storage related wear overall. The wood is also fine and has distinct carving, attractive grain, faint repairs, and general minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.