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. These powerful multi-shot pistols were also popular among the explorers, hunters, and adventurers who wanted more stopping power when facing man and beast in various corners of the British Empire. Included consignor research, including a copy of the factory ledger listing the serial number of the pistol, indicates that this particular pistol was purchased in November 1887 by lieutenant Charles Eccles Nixon Priestley of the Welsh Regiment, who later held various ranks in the army of the British Raj, ending as lieutenant colonel in the 42nd Deoli Regiment. In Priestley's 1931 obituary, he is noted taking an officer's commission at around 18 years old, serving in Egypt, Australia, and India, as well as in the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force in World War I. He is also noted as a celebrated big game hunter and angler, all pursuits in which he would have valued this powerful sidearm. The top flute of the barrel cluster is signed "CHARLES LANCASTER (PATENT) 151. NEW BOND ST. LONDON." and has a blade front sight, and the left flute is marked "455 CF." There are Birmingham proofs on the barrels and frame. The breech face is stamped "CHARLES LANCASTER PATENT" in a circle. The serial number is marked on the trigger guard. The assembly number "84" is on some components. The butt is of bird's head type with checkered walnut grips, a lanyard ring is present at the bottom of the grip strap.

Very fine, retains 60% of the period refurbished blue finish with a few scattered patches of light pitting and clear markings overall. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A desirable Lancaster four-barrel pistol documented to the British officer that carried it on his worldly adventures!