Original Item: This is a superb, upmarket cased example of a Victorian double-barrel percussion howdah pistol, in the classic side-by-side configuration, crafted by one of the most renowned names in bespoke sporting arms; James Purdey of London.

This is a pistol that truly captures the romance and danger of early British Victorian big game hunting. Large-bore examples such as this were purpose-built for close-range defense from a howdah—the riding compartment mounted atop an elephant—during tiger hunts across India and Nepal.

Hunters typically relied on powerful sporting rifles for the pursuit itself. However, when a wounded tiger turned aggressive and attempted to climb the elephant, the situation became immediate and deadly. In those moments, the howdah pistol was the last line of defense—engineered to deliver substantial powder charges and a heavy, large-caliber ball (often exceeding .50 caliber) at point-blank range.

In such encounters, speed and composure were everything. The hunter needed to react instantly, leaning over the howdah to stop the charging animal—because hesitation could prove fatal.

Manufactured primarily in England, these formidable pistols were sold to officers and wealthy sportsmen. While originally intended for dangerous game hunting, they quickly gained popularity as powerful personal defense arms. The name “howdah pistol” endured, even as many examples were never used in the field.

Founded in 1814 by James Purdey the Elder, the firm remains in operation today and is widely regarded as among the most prestigious, if not the most prestigious makers of high-end hunting guns in the world.

The pistol is marked in the traditional manner, with “J. PURDEY” engraved on the lock, while the top flat of the octagonal barrels bears the maker’s full name and London address, as was customary for the firm’s finest work.

J. PURDEY 314 ½ OXFORD STREET. LONDON

The barrel wedge pulls out easily, and we removed the barrel assembly to check for markings The bottoms of both barrels bear the CROWN / GP "gunmaker's proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London Gun Company Proof house, with another "viewed" marking on the breech plug. We did not notice any additional markings.

The howdah measures about 11 5/8 inches in overall length, with 6 inch long .660" caliber double "spiral forged" barrels, which is considered "16 Bore", rare today but somewhat common during the Victorian era. The longer length of this example would suggest it definitely has a good chance of being actually intended for "Safari" use. It features a beautiful "Tiger Flame" figured walnut stock that is checkered around the grip, which really "pops" in the light due to the chatoyancy of the wood. Most of the mountings are highly engraved iron / steel, including a highly blued trigger guard with acanthus leaf engraving, which is also featured on the patch box door of the iron butt plate. The locks are similar engraved, and the hammers have great "sea monster" or "fish" designs, with scales and a pair of eyes on each. There is additionally a gold inlay on the breech of the barrel, as well as a small oval nickel silver escutcheon on the back of the wrist. The barrel wedge escutcheons are also nickel silver as well.

The pistol is really a lovely piece, with the barrels still showing the spiral forging pattern clearly, though the original finish is a bit worn and faded, which we assume was case coloring to bring out the pattern, The breech plug is blued, are the hammers, while the lock plates are bright steel, all of which retain their original color well. The locks are lovely, and both are still fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. We did note that the left side lock will fire at half cock if the trigger is pulled hard. There is a brass tipped iron ramrod under the barrel, which may be a period replacement.

Enhancing this offering further is a superb period English wooden case, most likely crafted from walnut, which accompanies the pistol. The lid is fitted with a circular brass escutcheon (currently unengraved), and the case measures approximately 14" x 7¾" x 3¼".

The interior is thoughtfully compartmentalized and lined in olive green fabric, designed to house the accessories appropriate to such a piece. Included within are an iron bullet mold with integral nipper, a rare Gutta-percha powder flask, and a wooden-handled flathead screwdriver. We note that the mold appears slightly oversized for the pistol, suggesting it may have been paired at a later date.

Also present is a tin of ELEY’S percussion caps, a quantity of pre-cast lead balls, and two small turned wooden storage containers.

Altogether, this fine case significantly enhances both the presentation and display appeal of this exceptional Howdah pistol.

A magnificent cased Victorian big-bore side-by-side Howdah pistol by the renowned Purdey of London, complete with exceptional accessories—an outstanding addition to any advanced collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1835
Bore Diameter: 16 Bore about .660"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 5/8 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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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.

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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.