Charles Lancaster's multi-barreled pistols were introduced in the mid 1800s, and although these pistols were never a standard issue weapon with the British colonial forces, many officers assigned to Africa and India chose Lancasters over the standard issue revolvers due to their superior rate of fire and large caliber in the case of attack by either the native human population or the dangerous wildlife such as tigers and water buffalo. An estimated 712 of all models of this four barreled pistol were manufactured. The top of the barrel cluster is marked "CHARLES LANCASTER PATENT 151 NEW BOND ST LONDON". Both sides of the barrel cluster are stamped with six proofs near the breech and "476 CF" stamped on the left flute. Additional British proofs are stamped on the sides of the frame. The breech face is stamped "PATENT CHARLES LANCASTER" in a circle. The action is equipped with a folding trigger extension. A lanyard ring is mounted on the butt. The pistol is fitted with checkered bird head grips. The top of the grip frame is engraved with the initials "WW" for the previous owner and great American marksman Walter Winans (1852-1920). Winans participated in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics and won a total of two Olympic shooting medals: a Gold in 1908 and a Silver in 1912. He authored ten books including "The Art of Revolver Shooting," "Practical Rifle Shooting" and "Automatic Pistol Shooting." Apart from his shooting successes, Winans was a noted horse breeder and sculptor who exhibited his art 14 times at the British Royal Academy and won an Olympic Gold Medal in the Arts Competition in 1912 for his statuette "An American Trotter."

Fine. The pistol retains 60% of the original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The front sight is a replacement. The grips are fine with a number of minor handling marks (mostly concentrated at the tops). Overall the checkering is crisp. Mechanically excellent.