Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting German double barreled “Howdah” percussion pistol, full-stocked and in a large 13 bore (about .71”) caliber. These pistols were designed for superior loads for use in a “Howdah”, the box compartment that sat on the back of an Elephant and used in tiger hunts throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Officers and well-off Europeans would pursue this sport using high power sporting rifles to shoot their game from these locations of safety. Once in a while a tiger fought back climbing up the side of the Elephant to confront the Howdah’s occupants. Therefore, the Howdah pistol was specially made to handle really substantial loads of powder together with a real tiger stopping Ball (13 bore). Hopefully the hunter found time to lean over the side of the Howdah and shoot the invading tiger at point blank range for if not, he was quickly the tiger's lunch!

The style also caught on elsewhere when this type of small heavy gauge pistol was needed. Being Northern European rather suggests for use against Polar Bears or other massive beasts such as Bull Walrus Both in heavy demand in the 1840's.

This example is fitted with a 10 inch long heavy double barrel assembly, and measures about 16 ¾ inches in overall length. It shows heavy damage to the fore stock at some time and rebuilt with a fresh 3 ¼ inch section of Beech wood which contrasts with the pistols original Walnut stock. We checked both locks, and they both are fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The barrels are clear but do show fouling and oxidation, and are definitely smooth bored.

Most unusual, a real handful, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1840
Caliber: 13 bore 
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Overall Length: 16 3/4 inches
Action: Dual Side Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.