Originally developed by dangerous game hunters in India, the howdah pistol is named for the elaborate elephant-mounted saddle/carriage that tiger hunters would shoot from. Tigers, disinterested in being shot, had sufficient vertical leap to endanger an elephant rider, and many hunters resorted to sawing down the stock and barrels of a spare double rifle so they had a weapon of last resort against an ambitious wildcat. The gunsmiths of London, such as Purdey, responded to this new demand with purpose built large-bore pistols with enough power to stop the leaping beast dead in its tracks. This example is fitted with a single nickel bead sight in a grooved rib, marked "J. PURDEY, 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, LONDON" and decorated with scroll engraving at the rear, platinum accent bands inlaid on either side at the breech and further scroll and floral engraving at the tang surrounding a Union Jack themed array of shields and flags. The back-action locks each bear the three line Oxford Street address, with scroll and floral engraving, sliding safeties, and dual triggers. The right hammer is engraved with an elephant head pattern. The front trigger is shortened and checkered, and the guard and quillions are engraved to match the tang. Checkered pistol grip stock, with a hinged swiveling ramrod slotting into the engraved metal tip, an octagonal silver inscription panel on the wrist, flared butt, engraved buttcap and patch box.

About good. The barrels show fine brown color and Damascus pattern across the full length, with mild flash pitting and handling marks. The locks show a lighter gray patina in the protected areas with a darker brown towards the rear. The right hammer has been broken at the spur. The break has been cleanly smoothed out and refinished, and the left hammer is a replacement. The wood is fine as repaired, with a large mended chip on the forearm near the tip, some lighter chips and dings, and traces of a coat of heavy varnish. Overall wood grain is good. The initials "GLS" have been added to the inside of the patch box. Mechanically very good.