This type of compact, heavy, double-barrelled pistol first appeared in Britain around 1800 although this example probably dates to the 1870s. It is colloquially known as a ‘howdah’. A howdah was a wood and wicker seat attached to the back of an elephant from which a rifleman could hunt tigers. Thus guns like this were used to stop dangerous animals or persons at close range. It was popular among the British colonial forces since it was more powerful than the service revolvers of the time.

This example, made by Charles McLoughlin of Cheltenham, used the powerful .577 Boxer cartridge, similar to that used in Snider-Enfield rifles. It is displayed with its original holster, which bears the name of its first owner: B. La Ferriere of the 18th Hussars.