A Fine 32 Bore Percussion Over & Under Pistol by J. Egg.
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12” overall, 6 ½” octagonal barrels with blade sight, clean bores, top flat signed ‘J. Egg. No 1 Piccadilly London’ and ‘Inventor of the Copper Cap' along the bottom flat, and stamped with London proofs. Border engraved breeches with foliate scrollwork on the top and bottom flats, tang with back-sight and decorated with foliate scrollwork. Back action locks engraved and signed ‘Joseph Egg London’ decorated with scrolling foliage, rounded dolphin hammers decorated en suite. chequered figured rounded butt, border engraved mounts decorated with scrolling foliage and comprising butt-cap with 'skull-crusher' terminal engraved with scallop shells, D-shaped trigger-guard and serial numbered in an oval on the bow, no provision for a ramrod.
Circa 1830.
In good condition, retaining some original finish.
Several London gunmakers claimed to have invented the copper cap which was introduced shortly before 1820.
Joseph Egg was at 1 Piccadilly (corner of Piccadilly and Haymarket) from 1814 to 1834. See Claude Blair, 'The Egg Family, Part 1 and Part 1 (contd.)', J.A.A.S., vol. VII (1973), pp. 266-299 and 306-353