Original British Over and Under Double Barrel Howdah Percussion Pistol with Later Shoulder Holster – circa 1850 Original Items

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 These very large bore pistols were originally made for close range use in a Howdah, which is the box compartment that sat on the back of an Elephant and used in tiger hunts throughout India and Nepal.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 British Double Barrel Howdah Percussion pistol, in the popular “over and under” configuration. It measures about 12 1/4 inches in overall length, with 6 inch long 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 figured wooden grip, which still shows traces of the original checkering, and has a lidded compartment in the butt for patches. The box lock is covered with ornate foliate engraving, which is present on many of the fittings, and even the hammers.

Overall the pistol has been polished bright, with wear to the barrels showing that they are “Damascus” style laminated steel. This has however removed all of the proof marks that would have been present on the barrel, and also worn the heads of the screws for the cap nipple cone bolster cleanouts. The only marking still present looks to be JOHN H ROBIN stamped onto the top of the barrel, but we do not know if this a maker or the owner, and it is also possibly a spurious marking added in India. While it shows wear, the very high level of original manufacture is unmistakable, so this was definitely British manufactured. Both locks are still fully functional, holding at half cock, and firing at full, and the safeties work great as well.

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, with an unmarked silver escutcheon on the rear.

The shoulder holster is definitely adapted from some other type of gun, then riveted together with numerous decorative grommets added. The gun fits nicely in the holster, and there is a retaining strap on the top to keep it in place.

A very nice example of a British Howdah big bore over and under pistol, with a lovely patina of age and a great late 19th century custom made shoulder holster. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Bore Diameter: about .58″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded – Over and Under Barrels

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.