Pistol, flintlock duelling pistol

This flintlock duelling pistol is one of a pair made by Joseph Egg, nephew of the famous Swiss gunmaker Durs Egg. Joseph Egg came to London from Alsace and, after forming several partnerships, established his own business at Piccadilly. He produced high quality flintlock and percussion duelling pistols for a wealthy West End clientele. This pistol is fitted with a hair trigger which can be adjusted by turning the small screw behind it.

Duels were fought in parks and other open spaces. During the eighteenth century pistols replaced swords as the preferred weapon for duellists. This pistol belonged to Prince Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, who was Commander-in-Chief of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Frederick famously took part in a duel with Colonel Charles Lennox on Wimbledon Common in 1789. Lennox fired first, narrowly missing Frederick who did not shoot back.