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1823-1851 Pair Of English William Burnett Southampton Double Barrelled 15 Bore Percussion ‘Howdah’ Pistols. Sn 19997:1 - 19997:1 The Howdah pistol was a large-calibre handgun, often with two or four barrels, used in India and Africa from the beginning of the nineteenth century and into the early twentieth century, during the period of British Colonial rule. It was typically intended for defence against Tigers, Lions, and other dangerous animals that might be encountered in remote areas. The term "howdah pistol" comes from the howdah, a large platform mounted on the back of an Elephant. Hunters, especially during the period of the British Raj in India, used Howdahs as a platform for hunting wild animals and needed large-calibre side-arms for protection from animal attacks at close quarters. The earliest Howdah pistols were flintlock designs, and it was not until about 60 years later percussion models in single or double barrel configuration were seen. Even though Howdah pistols were designed for emergency defence from dangerous animals in Africa and India, British Officers adopted them for personal protection in other far-flung outposts of the British Empire. William Burnett was an English Southampton based gunsmith between 1823 & 1851. This is an excellent, original, pair of percussion double barrel Howdah pistols by Burnett. The pistol’s brown wash barrels set side by side are 7” in length. They each measure 13 ¾” overall length. The smooth bores are clean. The barrels have broad top ribs and small brass bead fore sights. The barrel ribs are signed by the maker ‘William Burnett Southampton’ and each action plate ‘Burnett’. They both have their original captive steel ram rods. Their original walnut stocks are undamaged and have chequered grip panels and inlaid void white metal escutcheons. They have double triggers and heavy Dolphin hammers. Their action plates, action tangs, trigger guards with extended tangs and Pineapple finials & butt plates have engraved foliate decoration. The pistols cock and dry fire crisply. The price for these impressive large calibre percussion Howdah pistols includes UK delivery. NB as antique percussion pistols no licence is required to own these pistols in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 19997:1
£8,500.00
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