Original Victorian Era British Single Shot Side Hammer Percussion Vest Pistol by D. Egg of London - circa 1840

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely British Percussion Vest pistol, with a "box lock" style frame and very interesting "Side Hammer" design. These are usually top hammer, but as it is percussion, it may have been easier to put the hammer and bolster on the side. It is a very early percussion example, and is marked on the back of the lock by the maker:-

D. EGG,
LONDON.

This of course refers to the legendary Swiss-Born London Gunmaker Durs Egg, who along with his brother, sons, and relatives represented a large dynasty of British gunmakers. Egg lived 1745- 1831 (1822 by some sources), but his business was taken over by his sons and family, so the name looks to have continued after his death.

The pistol measures 7 1/4 inches in overall length, featuring a 2 5/8 inch "turn off" .42" bore barrel, which at this time is unfortunately frozen to the frame, as they so often are. Aside from the maker marks, it has some lovely engraving on the frame, which extends to the bottom and top as well, and even onto the trigger guard. The underside of the iron frame is marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" markings from the city of Birmingham, England. The bottom of the barrel is also marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" mark.

The pistol follows the classic style, and is fitted with a very nice finely checkered "bag" shaped grip, which is in very good shape. There is a diamond-shaped escutcheon on the back of the grip, which looks to be made from silver. Overall condition is very nice, and it has a great look, still retaining much of the original finish and engraving. The lock is fully functional, holding at half-cock and firing at full. 

A really nice mid 19th Century British pocket flintlock pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: .42" pistol
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 2 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Action: Side-Action Percussion "Box-Lock"
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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