Over-and-Under Percussion Pistol bearing the Crest of the Polhill Family 1800 - 1850

This is an Over-and-Under Percussion Pistol bearing the Crest of the Polhill Family, crafted by Joseph Egg. A crest, like that of the Polhill family emblazoned on this pistol, is more than mere decoration; it is a potent symbol of identity, lineage, and aspiration. Such emblems echo the ancient totemic symbols, serving as a visual shorthand for complex social and psychological dynamics. Think of the recurrence of animal motifs in heraldry—lions, eagles, bears—each bearing its own set of culturally ingrained attributes, strength, vision, courage. These are not merely aesthetic choices but carry within them a deep resonance, tapping into primal instincts and collective memory. Consider, too, how these symbols are not static. The meaning of a lion rampant on a coat of arms evolves as the family's fortunes rise and fall, accumulating layers of history and association. This process is analogous to the way certain gestures or facial expressions in art convey intense emotional states that resonate with viewers across centuries. Thus, the crest on this pistol, in its own way, engages in a similar dance of cultural transmission and transformation.