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 is one of a pair of duelling pistols featuring Egg's trademark round butt. The shape of the butt was customized to the client's hand. Egg's clients included army officers who wanted pistols that were robust as well as stylish for use in wartime. The spur on the trigger guard was a feature of London-made duelling pistols from the mid 1790s which suggests this may be a later addition. The spur was for the shooter's middle finger, a feature designed to steady the firing hand when taking aim.