Howdah Pistol

Bill M · 4th October 2008, 03:07 PM

In researching George Daw mentioned by archer in his post on his howdah pistol, I came across an interesting connection. John Jacobs, who made rifles, both single and doubles that fired a four groove bullet.

http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2...e-proposition/

This bullet was designed to explode on impact.

Though the bullet was made to take out artillery at 1400 yards (max range), an exploding bullet from a howdah pistols would seem a good idea to put the "quietus" on an angry tiger in your howdah! At least it would sound good in "drawing room" conversations!

"Eh, fortunately I was able to pull my Howdah pistol and give the blighter both barrels of exploding Jacobs bullets! Turned him into the rug you see on the floor beside me. Jolly good, what?"

Jacobs rifles were designed as long range guns, used by sharpshooters, I guess a pistol could be made as well.

http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2...-jacobs-rifle/

Note the similarities between the picture of the rifling in the muzzle of Jacob's double and my howdah pistol?

The seller said he never had my pistol apart. I am eager to get it and see what I can find as far as maker's and proof marks.

Gonzalo G · 7th October 2008, 09:31 AM

Hi Bill, VERY interesting and unusual pistol, I congratulate you for this acquisition! It seems you have been busy making a very good collection of antique firearms. This thread is giving very good information and analysis on the subject of the straight rifled barrels.

Fernando, I don´t think bullet rotation helps in giving less air resistance, as the friction is incremented. Neverthless, it gives a more flat trayectory, more penetration and less dispersion. Not needed by the use assigned to Bill´s gun, I think. I mean, not to shoot at short distance. This kind of rifling poses some interesting questions.
My best regards

Gonzalo

Jim McDougall · 8th October 2008, 08:53 PM

Bill,
I was just the other evening entranced in TV, and watched one of the documentaries on actual animal behavior footage with some pretty incredible shots, I cant recall now the program. In some of the coverage on lions and tigers, there was one hunt involving three elephants, each carrying a howdah with several people. It was really interesting to actually see these carraiges in perspective, and they seemed pretty cramped.

Next what was completely shocking, was the tiger emerged suddenly out of a thicket and leaped toward one of the howdahs! It was unbelievable to see this huge beast completely airborne, paws and claws outspread and mouth gaping teeth bared! The howdah inhabitants apparantly survived, but at least one was terribly mauled.

In seeing this action in actual film footage, it was terrifying to even watch on film........I can well understand these huge guage guns! I think I would mount a howitzer!!!

Just thought this was interesting,
All the best,
Jim

4th October 2008, 03:07 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	In researching George Daw mentioned by archer in his post on his howdah pistol, I came across an interesting connection. John Jacobs, who made rifles, both single and doubles that fired a four groove bullet. http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2...e-proposition/ This bullet was designed to explode on impact. Though the bullet was made to take out artillery at 1400 yards (max range), an exploding bullet from a howdah pistols would seem a good idea to put the "quietus" on an angry tiger in your howdah! At least it would sound good in "drawing room" conversations! "Eh, fortunately I was able to pull my Howdah pistol and give the blighter both barrels of exploding Jacobs bullets! Turned him into the rug you see on the floor beside me. Jolly good, what?" Jacobs rifles were designed as long range guns, used by sharpshooters, I guess a pistol could be made as well. http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2...-jacobs-rifle/ Note the similarities between the picture of the rifling in the muzzle of Jacob's double and my howdah pistol? The seller said he never had my pistol apart. I am eager to get it and see what I can find as far as maker's and proof marks. Attached Images Last edited by Bill Marsh; 4th October 2008 at 03:22 PM.

7th October 2008, 09:31 AM	#2
Gonzalo G Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Nothern Mexico Posts: 458	Hi Bill, VERY interesting and unusual pistol, I congratulate you for this acquisition! It seems you have been busy making a very good collection of antique firearms. This thread is giving very good information and analysis on the subject of the straight rifled barrels. Fernando, I don´t think bullet rotation helps in giving less air resistance, as the friction is incremented. Neverthless, it gives a more flat trayectory, more penetration and less dispersion. Not needed by the use assigned to Bill´s gun, I think. I mean, not to shoot at short distance. This kind of rifling poses some interesting questions. My best regards Gonzalo

8th October 2008, 08:53 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Bill, I was just the other evening entranced in TV, and watched one of the documentaries on actual animal behavior footage with some pretty incredible shots, I cant recall now the program. In some of the coverage on lions and tigers, there was one hunt involving three elephants, each carrying a howdah with several people. It was really interesting to actually see these carraiges in perspective, and they seemed pretty cramped. Next what was completely shocking, was the tiger emerged suddenly out of a thicket and leaped toward one of the howdahs! It was unbelievable to see this huge beast completely airborne, paws and claws outspread and mouth gaping teeth bared! The howdah inhabitants apparantly survived, but at least one was terribly mauled. In seeing this action in actual film footage, it was terrifying to even watch on film........I can well understand these huge guage guns! I think I would mount a howitzer!!! Just thought this was interesting, All the best, Jim