The maker's records confirm that this pistol was sold in March 1886. These innovative pistols were popular with British officers in the mid to late 19th century, particularly those stationed in Africa and India where they were valuable as sidearms in the case of attack by either the native human population or the dangerous wildlife such as tigers and water buffalo. These strong pistols with their powerful chambering provided a much-welcome level of stopping power in a multi-shot pistol that just wasn't available with revolvers of the period. The barrels appear to be smoothbore, but they actually use Lancaster's patented oval bore rifling. Only around 233 of these two barrel pistols were made. This pistol has a German silver blade front sight on an integral solid rib, fixed groove/notch rear sight on the top of the action, "CHARLES LANCASTER (PATENT) 151, NEW BOND ST, LONDON." on top of the upper barrel, London proofs, "1 5/8 INCH CASES 577 C-F" in the left side of the concave center rib. The cartridge noted is a rifle round, not the move usual .577 revolver round. Also the case dimension appears to have been added after the pistol had been finished. The serial number is on the bottom of the trigger guard with checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard loop on the butt.