December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1240:
(A) ALFRED LANCASTER INSPECTED 25 BORE SIDE BY SIDE HOWDAH PISTOL
Alfred Lancaster produced this highly valuable, historically significant British Raj-era firearm custom-ordered for Indian royalty. Marked, "Examined by A. Lancaster", where "Examined by" or "Manufactured for" signatures on British guns often meant the gunmaker personally oversaw its custom build, regulation, and quality control before export. "Maha Rajah of Bulrampore" for the Maharaja of Balrampur (historically spelled Bulrampore), one of the wealthiest and most powerful princely estates in the Oudh region of northern India. Specifically, Alfred Lancaster regularly built exquisite, bespoke weapons for H.H. Sir Digvijay Singh Bahadur (who ruled Balrampur from 1818 to 1882). Digvijay Singh was heavily aligned with the British Crown and was a massive enthusiast of big-game hunting. Interestingly, a .450 double rifle from same maker and presented to same dignitary is also in this auction. The pistol features well made & engraved back action locks with rebounding hammers. Walnut stocked with oval grip cap that is scroll engraved. Frame and underlever are scroll engraved as well. CONDITION: Damascus barrels are excellent with prominent pattern. The bore is excellent with light frost in the grooves. Mechanically excellent.
Manufacturer
Alfred Lancaster