Guns International #: 101820202

Category - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850 - Antique Pistols - Percussion

Category
Antique Pistols - 1500-1850
Antique Pistols - Percussion

Massive Charles Lancaster London Percussion Double Barrel SxS Howdah Pistol Engraved Tiger Gun .66 Cal

Description:

Rare & Exceptional Massive Charles Lancaster, London, Engraved Percussion Double Barrel Howdah Pistol, .66 cal smoothbore, mfg. circa 1860's. This is a fantastic best quality English Howdah pistol that has survived in outstanding original condition. Pistols of this type were purchased by safari hunters and more often English officers stationed in India during the British Raj for self defense against tigers. Hunters would often shoot from platforms mounted atop elephants called Howdahs and preferred large caliber double barrel pistols for backup to stop rogue tigers that could attack and scale the sides of an elephant within moments. Charles Lancaster is one of the most celebrated quality gun makers of all time and rival to John Manton who he actually manufactured barrels for before going into full operation in 1826. Lancaster accomplished several patents throughout his career and is most remembered for his Lancaster oval bore guns and four-barreled breechloading pistols. The pistol offered here is of substantial size measuring 14 1/2" long overall and weighing 3 lbs 2 oz. The London proofed Damascus barrels measure 8" long and feature platinum blow plugs with a silver bead front sight. The upper rib is marked "LONDON" with "CHAs LANCASTER" inscribed on both locks. The gun is profusely engraved throughout in expertly cut English scrolls. The barrels have a light plum/gray patina with 80% Damascus pattern remaining. The locks, barrel tang, and breech show strong traces of case color in protected areas with the balance having faded to a mottled silver color. The buttcap retains 90% vivid case color while the triggerguard shows 75%+ bright original bluing. The surfaces are smooth and edges sharp throughout. The stock features a checkered wrist with solid silver wedge escutcheons and a silver wrist nameplate engraved with a crowing cock family crest (research suggests this may represent the "RIGS" family name). The wood retains 85% factory varnish which has begun to craze and flake below the locks. There are no cracks, chips, or repairs whatsoever. Original engraved buttcap compartment and swivel ramrod which is secured by an internal spring clasp mounted within the stock. Both actions are crisp and function flawlessly. Both nipples are perfect originals. The locks feature sliding external safeties in addition to a mechanical half cock and while the right safety works properly the left seems to retract when pushed forward as it it were spring loaded. It may just need a little oil. Very good bright and smooth bores with some typical fine pinprick surface pits scattered throughout. The barrels are sound with no dents and good ribbing. A very impressive and imposing pistol which truly must be held to be fully appreciated, the quality is absolutely top notch. A rare and wonderful addition to any collection. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique firearms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique firearm" will hence include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique firearms. Antique firearms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique firearms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any handgun (antique or muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction) shipped to New Jersey must ship to a licensed FFL holder. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. No international sales of antique firearms which may fire conventional metallic cartridges or any reproductions regardless of ignition. Antique muzzleloaders, or antiques which fire obsolete cartridges, may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, or credit card (no fees). Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. If not satisfied with an item within 3 days of receiving it, simply return the item in the same condition as shipped for a full refund, minus return shipping costs. Cleaning, disassembly, or altering of a firearm in any way will void inspection privileges. Layaway may be allowed upon negotiation, but will void inspection privileges. Buyer pays actual shipping & insurance costs. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account however it will be noted that any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with our business. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All firearms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Message or call with any questions about this firearm, or any of our other items at 860-873-1092 (office) or 860-345-2100 (shop).

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Charles Lancaster
Model: SxS Howdah Pistol
Barrel Length: 8
Bore: .66 Cal
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz
Manufacture Date: Circa 1860's
Engraving: Yes