Page 222 - Demo

Collector’s Fact
Only 233 of these desirable Lancaster over/under Howdah pistols were manufactured. This also includes other calibers.
LOT 302
Desirable Charles Lancaster Double Barrel Over/Under Howdah Pistol in Desirable .577 CF Caliber - Serial no. 7787, 577 cal., 6 1/2
inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The maker’s records confirm that this pistol was sold in March 1886. These innovative pistols were
popular with British officers in the mid to late 19th century, particularly those stationed in Africa and India where they were valuable as sidearms
in the case of attack by either the native human population or the dangerous wildlife such as tigers and water buffalo. These strong pistols with
their powerful chambering provided a much-welcome level of stopping power in a multi-shot pistol that just wasn’t available with revolvers of the period. The barrels appear to be smoothbore, but they actually use Lancaster’s patented oval bore rifling. Only around 233 of these two barrel pistols were made. This pistol has a German silver blade front sight on an integral solid rib, fixed groove/notch rear sight on the top of the action, “CHARLES LANCASTER (PATENT) 151, NEW BOND ST, LONDON.” on top of the upper barrel, London proofs, “1 5/8 INCH CASES 577 C-F” in the left side of the concave center rib. The cartridge noted is a rifle round, not the move usual .577 revolver round. Also the case dimension appears to have been added after the pistol had been finished. The serial number is on the bottom of the trigger guard with checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard loop on the butt. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the period retailer applied blue finish with the balance having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily in the form of muzzle/handling wear and some small patches of chemical type spotting on the right of the barrels. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
Collector’s Fact
A total of only 712 Lancaster four barrel Thorn patent pistols were manufactured in various calibers.
220
LOT 303
Desirable Charles Lancaster Four Barrel Thorn Patent Pistol in .476 Centerfire - Serial no. 7727, 476
CF cal., 6 1/4 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The maker’s records confirm that this pistol was sold in
April 1889. Many British officers assigned to Africa and India chose Lancasters as their personal sidearms, but
the total production of these pistols is estimated at just 712 further subdivided into smaller volumes in the
various calibers. The top flute of the barrel cluster is marked “CHARLES LANCASTER (PATENT) 151 NEW BOND
ST. LONDON.”, it has a blade front sight, and the left flute has “476 CF”. The initials “D.H” are engraved at the
top of the back strap. There are British proofs on each barrel and the frame. The breech face is stamped “PATENT
CHARLES LANCASTER” in a circle. “7727” is inscribed on the trigger guard, it has an oval bore, and a lanyard ring is on
the heel.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are also fine with a few scattered minor dings, a minor chip at the toe of the right panel, and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000