A superb double barrelled .50 calibre percussion Howdah pistol by J. lang of London. Circa 1830-1850. The makers name J. Lang London engraved on top of the 3.5 inch barrels. Joseph Lang had a workshop at 7, Haymarket, London, from 1821-1851. Decoratively engraved side plates. Dolphin Hammers. Both locks fitted with sliding safeties to back of hammers. Hinged and engraved butt-trap. Overall length is 8.5 inches. Iron swivel ramrod fitted under the barrels. Finely chequered grips with a silver octagonal shaped escutcheon. The term howdah pistol comes from the howdah which was a large wooden platform mounted on the back of an elephant. Hunters, particularly the British Raj in India, used Howdahs as a platform for hunting and needed large-calibre side-arms for protection against close quarters animal attacks. The practice of hunting from the howdah basket on top of an elephant was first made popular by the joint Anglo-Indian East India Company during the 1790s. Although Howdah pistols were originally for emergency defence against dangerous animals in Africa and India, British officers later carried them for personal protection and even battlefield use. Action In good working order. In very good overall condition. Ref 4378.

This is an antique pistol and is sold as a collectors item only.
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