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LOT 3434
Charles Lancaster Four Barrel Thorn Patent Pistol in .476 Centerfire - Serial no. 7659, 476 CF cal., 6 1/4 inch
fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Charles Lancaster’s
multi-barreled pistols were introduced in the 1860s. While this design enjoyed popularity with British officers serving
in Africa and India, the total production of these pistols is
estimated at just 712 further subdivided into smaller volumes in the various calibers making them rare and desirable sidearms from the
British Empire. The top flute of the barrel cluster is marked “CHARLES LANCASTER, PATENT, 151, NEW BOND ST. LONDON.” The pistol has oval bore rifling, a rounded German silver blade front sight, a notch rear sight, a pair of checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard ring. The left flute has “476 CF”. There are London proofs on
each barrel and the frame. The breech face is stamped “CHARLES LANCASTER PATENT “ in a circle. “7659” is inscribed on the trigger guard. “47” is marked on the bottom of the barrel group and frame on the right.
CONDITION: Very good with 50% period refurbished blue finish, dark gray and brown patina on the balance, some minor oxidation, and general mild overall wear. The grips are also very good and have lightly worn but distinct checkering, small dings and scratches, and some small chips at the edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
The gunsmiths of London, such as the
famous John Rigby & Co, or Lyon & Lyon in
the case of this example, responded to this new demand
with purpose and built large-bore pistols with enough power to stop tigers dead in their tracks. The barrels on this example
are marked “LYON & LYON. LONDON & CALCUTTA.” and
“CAL. .577 SNIDER (Sht.)”. Most of the remainder of the metal
components show fine English style floral scroll engraving. The forearm is checkered and tipped with
horn, and the grip is checkered and has a brass lion head pommel. It is fitted with a blade front sight, rotary
under lever, and back action hammer locks.
CONDITION: Very good, the barrels retaining 90% plus of the period refinished blue while the remaining metal shows either a mostly smooth grey patina or attractively aged brass. The wood is good with numerous minor dings scattered throughout, a few minor chips, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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tiger hunters would shoot from. In general, Howdah pistols
are large caliber handguns
and many have two or more barrels.
LOT 3435
Attractive Engraved Lyon
& Lyon Side by Side Rotary
Underlever Back Action Hammer
Howdah Pistol - NSN, 577 Snider
cal., 8 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. Originally developed by dangerous game hunters in India,
the Howdah pistol is named for the elaborate elephant-mounted saddle/carriage that