Ref 3451. A very rare double barrel .69 cal percussion Howdah pistol made by P. HERMANN of AARBERG. .65 Muzzleloader

Largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK. See our website andrewbottomley.com. Ref 3451. A very rare double barrel .69 calibre percussion Howdah pistol made by P. HERMANN of AARBERG Circa 1850. The term howdah pistol comes from the howdah, a large platform mounted on the back of an elephant. Hunters, particularly the British Raj in India, used howdahs as a platform for hunting and needed large-calibre side-arms for protection against close quarters animal attacks from Tigers etc. The practise of hunting from the howdah basket on top of an Asian elephant was first made popular by the joint Anglo-Indian East India Company during the 1790s. Although howdah pistols were originally for emergency defence against dangerous animals in Africa and India, British officers later carried them for personal protection and even battlefield use. The side plates are plain with the makers name engraved on the barrels. The 5.5 inch barrels with a bead front sight at the front of the rib. Engraved on top of the barrels the makers name P. HERMANN of AARBERG. Double trigger with engraved trigger guard. Plain walnut grips. Overall length 12 inches. Action in good working order. Some slight marking otherwise in overall good condition. Ref 3451. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website andrewbottomley.com where you can pay by credit/debit card or bank transfer at no extra charge. Established 1968.