Guns International #: 102284281
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Guns International #: 102284281
Category - Double Rifles - English
- Handguns - English Pistols
Seller's Information
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Seller: vette447
Member Since: 6/23/16
First Name: Drew
State:
Oklahoma
Zip: 73034
Country: United States
Phone: (405) 301-5680
Active Listings: 2
Total Listings: 26
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Cashier's Check, Money Order, Paypal (add 3.5%)
English .577 Centerfire Howdah Pistol
Description: Up for sale is an extremely rare and very fine example of an antique English Howdah Pistol in .577 Howdah cartridge (~1-1/2"). This Howdah does not have a retailer name marked on it nor a visible SN. However, it possesses Birmingham England proofs from the era of the 1870s-1890s. Thus, this pistol was made by the same Birmingham master English gunmakers that made these for the likes of Holland & Holland and Westley Richards, etc. Most of these types of weapons were contracted out to the fine gunmakers in Birmingham back then just as is still often the case today in the British gun trade. This particular example features a jones underlever lockup with dual hammers and double triggers and single extractor. It features basic border engraving on the receiver and triggerguard with more ornately engraved screws throughout. It has a smooth English walnut forearm with some nice figure visible and one-piece wraparound checkered pistol grip with swiveling lanyard ring at the heal. It also features rudimentary sights featuring a bead front sight on the barrel rib and v-notch rear sight on the receiver. There is some deep bluing remaining in protected areas with most turned to an attractive brown patina and thinned from use on the top of the barrels. Case colors on the receiver are still faintly visible on the edges and moreso remaining in protected areas. The barrels are 7” long with excellent bores featuring overall very shiny bores with strong rifling and just a few small and minor spots visible. The action locks up tight and mechanics are excellent with good hammer clicks and strong springs. Overall, this pistol is in very nice condition. The history of the Howdah Pistol is quite interesting. During the early days of big game hunting and exploration in Africa and India, there was a real need for a portable and powerful weapon for defense against lions, tiger, and other dangerous animals that may be encountered during a hunt or other type of trek. More particularly, in India, it was often the custom to hunt tigers and other big game while sitting in a howdah on the back of an elephant. The problem is, sometimes the tigers were injured but not killed or otherwise aggravated by the hunters and decided to attack. These angry tigers were smart and understood that the guys on the elephant were the ones causing their irritation or injury. These angry and giant tigers had a bad habit of charging at full speed and climbing the elephant to get to attack the hunter or elephant driver directly. By this time, the tiger was so close that a full-length rifle or shotgun was quite useless in defense. Thus, double rifles or shotguns of a sufficiently large bore were initially cut down to act as a backup against an angry tiger at close quarters. These proved quite useful and soon distinguished members of royalty of other hunters began placing special orders with gunmakers in England for a short and powerful pistol of two or four barrels offering a lot of close quarters power and at least one instant follow up shot to stop a charge. Since they were often utilized by hunters sitting in the howdah on the back of an elephant, they were dubbed “Howdah Pistols”. Purpose made, .577 centerfire versions of these are still quite rare and do not come up for sale often. Don’t miss out on this one. The cost of actual shipping will be added to purchase price. This is an antique so can ship directly to the new owner. No FFL required. I can accept cashier’s checks for payment. Reasonable offers will be considered. Please email me with any questions or if you wish to see additional pictures. Thanks! SOLD Rifle Caliber: .577 Snider Manufacturer: Birmingham trade Model: Howdah Serial Number: NVSN Barrel Length: 7 Condition: VG Metal Condition: VG Wood Condition: VG+ Bore Condition: Exc |
Guns International #: 102284281
Guns International #: 102284281