Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. Now this is a pistol that really brings back the romance of "Big Game Hunting" during the early British Victorian Era. These very large bore pistols were originally made for close range use in a Howdah, which is the box compartment that sat on the back of an Elephant and used in tiger hunts throughout India and Nepal.
Officers 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 Howdahs occupants. Therefore, the Howdah pistol was specially made to handle really substantial loads of powder together with a real tiger stopping Ball over .50". 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!
These were usually made in England, and sold to officers or other well-off people, and they became popular not just for Tiger hunting, but also for self defense. The name Howdah however stuck, even though many were never destined to be used while hunting tigers.
This is a very nice example of a Victorian Double Barrel Howdah Percussion pistol, in the standard "Side by Side" configuration. It is completely unmarked, so we assume it was made somewhere on the European continent, but it could possibly be British. We unfortunately were not able to get the barrel off, as it looks to have been brazed together at the breech joint. It measures about 12 1/4 inches in overall length, with 7 inch long .62" caliber double barrels. The longer length of this example would suggest it definitely has a good chance of being actually intended for "Safari" use. It features a lovely checkered wooden grip, and features all "German" Nickel Silver fittings, which have some lovely engraving on them. The back strap for the grip is engraved as well, as are the lock plates and hammers, making this a very decorative example.
The pistol has a lovely patina, with the barrels still showing the "Damascus" laminated steel pattern clearly, and the rest of the ironwork displaying a polished steel patina. The nickel silver fittings have a lovely yellow patina due to waxing and oxidation. Both locks are still fully functional, holding at half cock, and firing at full. Condition overall is very good, with a lovely worn look. The engraving on the trigger guard and lock are well retained, and the grip is in great shape.
A very nice example of a Victorian Era Howdah big bore side by side pistol, with a lovely patina of age. Ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Bore Diameter: about .62"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
