3638

LIEGE PERCUSSION 2-BARREL HOWDAH PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
LIEGE PERCUSSION 2-BARREL HOWDAH PISTOL.
Cal. 20 Bore (.62). NSN. 12" overall, 6" Damascus barrels with central rib, engraved back action locks, engraved steel furniture including patent breech, checkered bag grip with trap door for caps, heavy iron loading rod. Double barrel holster pistols like these were popular among military officers prior to the development of revolvers. These pistols get their name from use on safaris, when carried in "howdahs" which were fancy canopied elephant mounted saddles, these could come in handy if a lion attacked. Jefferson Davis mentions carrying one in his early military campaigns of the 1830s and he quite fond of it when it was captured during Civil War. That similar howdah pistol was for many years on display at the Mississippi State Museum when returned from US Government. CONDITION: Very good overall, complete and original, no apparent restoration, good engraved panels, traces of damascene design on barrels, stock has hand worn patina, mechanically fine, clear smooth bores. (01-23152/JS). ANTIQUE. $1,000-1,500.