June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
During the mid-to-late 19th century, tiger hunting was a major sport for the elite British rulers and officers stationed in India. Handguns and sporting guns were purchased through the British military exchange store known as the Army Navy Store. The shooting of tigers perched atop a Howdah on the back of an elephant was a gentleman's game. One of the favorite weapons of these hunts was the double barrel pistol whose name was derived from the elephant perch, the Howdah. It consisted of a side by side large bore pistol, break open, with large bore, double hammers and double triggers. This pistol was manufactured in London specifically for that trade. Features twin rifled .60 bores for the self contained cartridge, wide rib, wind adjustable front sight, set rear sight, double hammers, under lever release, tip-up, double triggers, checkered walnut forend and grip with a lanyard loop so as to not lose the pistol. It is, in essence, a sawed-off, short barreled hand-held shotgun that would deliver a massive hunk of lead at ample enough speed to take your prey. The majority of these type weapons are generally later handmade copies or renditions of a Howdah and very few original examples exist today; the most desirable of which are London made and fire a self-contained cartridge. The workmanship is typical mid-19th century London. Wood to metal fit is immaculate. Excellent, finely checkered walnut stocks. Typical English engraving on most surfaces with twin back action locks and engraved hammers. Sideplates and barrel are marked "ARMY & NAVY CSL". Barrel retains approximately 95% of the period reapplied blue finish. Action and frame are a shiny, polished gun metal grey. Beautifully executed English engraving throughout. Near mint bores and perfect action. This is one of those elusive, ghost-like weapons that everyone has heard of but usually never sees. They represent the high society that ruled the Nation of India at a time when the sun never set on the British Empire. For the pleasure of aristocrats, providing the thrill of a wild tiger hunt with little to no regard for anything but their own pleasures. A gun that truly represents the gilded age of privilege and an iconic weapon in British history.
Caliber/Bore
.60 Bore-Rifled