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LOT 1346
Charles Lancaster Double Barrel Over/ Under Howdah Pistol in Desirable .577 CF Caliber - Serial no. 8015, 577 cal., 6 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. These innovative pistols were popular with
British officers in the mid to late 19th century,
particularly those 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. 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, “577CF” in the left side of the concave center rib, the serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard, serrated back strap, checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard loop on the butt. CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% of the period refinished blue with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown patina. The grips are also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, and otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
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LOT 1347
Charles Lancaster Four Barrel Thorn Patent Pistol in .455 Centerfire - Serial no. 7163, 455 CF cal., 6 1/4 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. 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. The top flute of the barrel cluster is marked “CHARLES LANCASTER PATENT 151 NEW BOND STREET. LONDON.” and has a blade front sight, and the left flute has “455 CF.” The breech face is stamped “PATENT CHARLES LANCASTER” in a circle. “7163” is inscribed on the trigger guard, it has an oval bore, finely figured checkered grips, and a lanyard ring is on the heel.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus of the period retailer applied blue finish with the balance having thinned to a mottle grey-brown patina and some scattered very light surface pitting. The slightly undersized refinished grips are also very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000