Early 19th Century Duelling Pistol Converted To Percussion Cap By The Famous Henry Tatham and Joseph Egg
A very handsome duelling pistol signed Tatham & Egg featuring the stylish saw handle, set trigger, sliding safety catch and a gold (yellow metal) line at the breach.
The metalwork overall has a pleasant gun metal grey patina, although the barrel edges and trigger guard show signs of wear over the centuries which has faded the crispness of the decoration
The lock has been nicely converted to percussion cap from flintlock, with the hammer showing matching decoration.
The action is, as you would expect, super crisp in both half and full position and the sliding safety catch works as it should.
The long octagonal barrel has a leaf foresight and was originally browned, although there is little of this remaining (mainly by the gold line at the breech).
The barrel tang is beautifully is beautifully engraved and is grooved to form part of the rear sight (the remaining groove is cut into the walnut saw handle).
The original ramrod is of all steel construction and is very heavy.
The half stock walnut is showing a beautiful tiger stripe pattern and has an engraved steel buttcap with the words Tatham & Eggs Improvement 830.
There is an interesting engraved silver (white metal) escutcheon on the side of the shoulder with the letters GB with RN underneath. Property of a Royal Naval Officer?
The stock is showing some bruising and some well repaired splits, this is not a pistol that has been in a case for 200+ years.
Both Henry Tatham and Joseph Egg were quality makers in their own right, but were in Partnership between 1801 and 1814 and were well known for their high quality workmanship. (Joseph was the brother of the renowned Durs Egg).
As I mentioned at the beginning this is a very handsome piece made by 2 of London's Master Gunsmiths.
Barrel length 24.5cm, Overall length 38.5cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
