Swiss gunmaker Durs Egg (1748-1831) was active in London starting in 1772 and was one of the finest maker's of flintlock firearms. This massive smoothbore is relatively light for its size at 12 lbs. 10 oz. It has a brass blade front sight, "- - -D * EGG * LONDON- - -" inlaid on top of the barrel in gold, a "burst" pattern engraved at the front of the flat sighting plain, a double gold banded patent breech with a platinum vent liner, groove rear sight on the scroll and floral engraved upper tang, "684" and "WF" (William Fullard) on the bottom of the barrel along with London proofs, "684" repeated inside the forend, "D. Egg" signed "rainproof" flat lock with sliding half-cock safety catch and martial and border engraving, engraved urn and pineapple trigger plate finial, an engraved crane with a snake in its beak on the trigger guard bow, "burst" engraving on the forend cap and the end of the scrolling trigger guard tang, silver stock escutcheons, floral engraving and a faded bird scene on the buttplate, checkering on the wrist of the walnut half-stock, and 13 5/8 inch length of pull.

Very good are restored including a professional reconversion to flintlock previously identified as the work of Stephen Alexander, 85% plus of a rebrowned finish on the barrels along with distinct twist patterns, light original case colors on the lock and breech, mostly gray patina on the balance, some pitting concentrated at the breech, minor loss of gold in the barrel marking, deep aged patina on the silver escutcheons, and some light scratches and marks. The stock is good and has multiple thin cracks in the forend and butt (most stabilized), a repaired chip above the nose of the lock, crisp original checkering, smooth oiled finish, and some mild marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and rare large bore waterfowling gun. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.