A fine and rare English flintlock blunderbuss pistol by Durs Egg inscribed "FOR HIS MAJESTY'S MAIL COACHES" circa 1800

This rare blunderbuss pistol was made by the famous London gunsmith Durs Egg (1748-1831). He was a contractor to Ordnance from 1784-1820. He was also granted several important patents for his many improvements made to gun technology of the period. Due to the quality of his firearms, he was appointed Gunmaker to His Majesty King George III as well as to the Duke of York. This fine and rare example bears his name on the brass lockplate. One seldom, if ever, sees blunderbuss pistols of this size and weight (15" long having a 9" flared barrel) especially with spring mounted bayonets. More important is the fact that the muzzle is engraved "FOR HIS MAJESTY'S MAIL COACHES." This particular example has a beautiful highly figured walnut stock and appears to retain its' original brass tipped ramrod. The gun also has a brass pan rather than the normal steel pan and also has a sliding safety. The only minor condition issue is a small 1" diagonal age crack from the sideplate to the barrel. A rare opportunity to acquire this museum quality pistol.