Pistol, duelling pistol

This flintlock duelling pistol was made by the famous Swiss gunmaker Durs Egg. Born in the village of Oberbuchsiten in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Egg emigrated to London where he established his gun making business in 1772. Egg became one of the most sought-after West End gunmakers with royal clients including the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York.

This duelling pistol features Egg's trademark round butt. The shape of the butt was customized to the client's hand. The pistol is also fitted with Egg's patented waterproof flashpan. Egg's clients included army officers who wanted pistols that were robust as well as stylish for use in wartime. The heavy octagonal barrel improved the pistol's accuracy. The spur on the trigger guard was a feature of London-made duelling pistols from the mid-1790s. This was for the shooter's middle finger, a feature designed to steady the firing hand when taking aim.