December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1238:
(A) THOMAS BLAND & SONS .476 FOUR BARREL MONOSTRIKER HOWDAH PISTOL
Of similar form to the well known 4-barreled Charles Lancaster howdah pistols, this Bland and Chashmore's 1887 Patent example is signed "BLAND AND SONS 450 WEST STRAND LONDON" in the top barrel flute. Pistols such as this were carried by big game hunters to dispatch charging or otherwise attacking dangerous game with 4 quick, hard hitting shots. As the name suggests, these were particularly popular in British India as a last line of defense if a tiger or other beast jumped up to onto the elephant the owner was riding in his howdah. This example has four Birmingham proofed barrels stacked much like a pepperbox pistol with deep flutes. The barrel assembly tips forward to load and has an automatic ejector. There is a large half moon front sight and a small notch integral with the latch. Self cocking, double action only operated by a single trigger. Action has Braendlin Armoury trade mark and caliber designation on the left. Bird's head grip with 2-piece checkered walnut panels. Back strap is engraved "THE "MONOSTRIKER" PISTOL". CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished long ago in the English trade. The vast majority of the older reapplied blue is retained with some fading as well as evidence of oxidation under the finish. Grips have some moderate wear and handling marks but are otherwise solid. Bores are defined and mostly bright with some black powder abrasion. Fine mechanics.