A very fine .577 calibre double barrelled percussion Howdah pistol by J. Blissett of London. Circa 1840. The lock-plates engraved with the makers name John Blissett London. The 7 inch barrels engraved along the central rib - John Blissett, 321 High Holborn, London. Maker to H.R.H Duke of Sussex. John Blissett had a workshop at 321 High Holborn, London. (1835-1847). Decorative scroll engraving to the trigger guard, lock-plates, butt trap, tang and hammers. Captive swivel ramrod. Finely chequered grip with a silver oval escutcheon. Sliding safeties to each lock. Blued trigger guard. Walnut stock. In excellent condition showing  hardly any signs of use or wear. The term howdah pistol comes from the howdah, a large platform mounted on the back of an elephant. Hunters particularly in British Raj India used howdahs as a platform for hunting and needed large-calibre side-arms for protection against close quarters animal attacks. British officers later carried them for personal protection and even battlefield use. The early howdah pistols were flintlock designs of similar calibre to the military issue musket and it was not until about 60 years later that percussion models in single or double barrel configuration were seen. Retaining much original finish. In good working order. Overall length 13 inches. Ref 2899.

This is an obsolete antique pistol and is sold as a collectors item only.
No Licence is required in the United Kingdom. 
We are pleased to accept payment by debit card / credit card, or direct bank transfer, we make no extra charge for paying by card when you pay online using the World-Pay payment gateway, it is simple and very easy to use and protects both the buyer as well as the seller. Simply click the buy-it button on the item that you wish to buy, you will automatically be taken to the World-Pay secure site to enter your payment details. 
We carry in stock the largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in Great Britain. Every item is guaranteed to be original. Single items and collections always wanted. Please call us if you have any items for sale. We will pay top international prices for good items. All transactions are treated in strict confidence. Immediate payment. Trade member of the BASC. The British Association for Shooting and conservation. Established since 1968.