Original 19th Century German Double Barrel “Howdah” Large 13 Bore Percussion Pistol with Full Stock Original Items

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.