These distinctive pistols were manufactured in a variety of configurations, including two and four barrel versions, different grip shapes, multiple calibers, etc., by Charles William Lancaster in the late 19th century. They were popular with British officers and sportsman in Africa and India and are known to have been used into the early 20th century. This pistol provided two quick shots of .577 caliber bullets which provided significantly more stopping power than the revolvers of the period and were useful for defense against charging warriors and dangerous game. It also produced a tremendous amount of recoil which explains why most examples are smaller calibers like .455. It has a rounded German silver blade front sight, "CHARLES LANCASTER (PATENT) 151 NEW BOND ST LONDON" inscribed on top of the upper rib, "V" notch rear sight on top of the action, "CHARLES LANCASTER PATENT" in a circle on the inside by the firing pins, London proof and view marks, "577 CF" inscribed in the left side of the central rib, "8117" inscribed on the spurred trigger guard, light engraving accent above the serrations on the back strap, bird's head grip profile, checkered walnut grips, assembly number "62" written inside each grip and marked on some of the components, and a lanyard swivel on the butt.