December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1235:
(A) EXCELLENT R.B. RODDA 25 BORE HOWDAH PISTOL WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES
Dovetail lump faux Damascus barrels with a bead front sight on a solid, flat rib, raised slightly at the muzzle, "V" notch rear sight with three leaves, one standing and two folding, with one folding leaf marked "50" while the other is unmarked, and decorated with a sprig of acanthus at rear of rib. Beaded bands at the the breeches. Underside of barrels with matching serial numbers, "12" behind forearm loop, and marked "CH" for the barrel maker ahead of the water table. Water table with London view and proof marks for a 25 bore. Splinter forearm with ebony insert at the tip and retained by a single key that feeds through an escutcheon. Round body action with checkered underlever, engraved with light acanthus scrollwork, lined edges, and dressed hinge pins, with "Charge of Powder / 1 1/2 Drs" on left side. Back action island locks engraved en suite, with "R.B. Rodda & Co" across top of locks. Non-rebounding serpentine cocks with tall hammers, engraved en suite. Long strap trigger guard that runs to buttcap with serial number and light engraving. Walnut stock with a silver initial oval at the wrist, and checkered in a modified point pattern with mullered borders. Housed in a modern case with a compliment of ivory handled accessories including a powder measure, turn screw, nipple wrench, cleaning rod handling, brush, and striker pot; other accessories include an oil bottle, mop, key, and a combination bullet mold and sprue cutter with conical bullet casting insert marked "8", but appears to be a matching number rather than denoting 8 bore, as cavity measures closer to .55. Accompanied by a reproduction Rodda trade label, and a letter from David Squier noting that the proofs appear to be post-1850, and noting that parts of the hinge are included in the case. CONDITION: Very Good. Barrels with the majority of their Damascus "twist" visible throughout, with areas of handling marks and rubs, particularly to sharp edges and on left side. Action with much case color still left, heavily faded, with better vibrancy in protected areas with the balance mixing with dove-grey steel. Locks with the majority of their case colors with silvering to sharp edges. Trigger guard with the majority of the high-polish English bluing, with some rubs and losses particularly where hand meets grip. Forearm with heavier handling marks and missing a chip at forend iron, grip with scattered handling marks and a few strikes that have abraded heads in the checkering. Mechanically fine, bores excellent, bright and shiny with strong rifling. Case in need of repair with rear hinges separated and allowing total removal of top lid, accessories very good with some handling marks and mottling. This is a very nice example of a high quality English Howdah pistol as favored by hunters and officers in India, with a set of well-matching accessories.
Paperwork
Letter, Trade Label