Originally developed by dangerous game hunters in India, the howdah pistol is named for the elaborate elephant-mounted saddle/carriage that tiger hunters would shoot from. Tigers, disinterested in being shot, had sufficient vertical leap to endanger an elephant rider, and many hunters resorted to sawing down the stock and barrels of a spare double rifle so they had a weapon of last resort against an ambitious wildcat. In general, howdah pistols are large caliber handguns and many have two or more barrels. The gunsmiths of London, such as John Rigby & Co, responded to this new demand with purpose built large-bore pistols with enough power to stop the leaping beast dead in its tracks. This example is equipped with an interchangeable blade front sight and a two leaf rear sight (one fixed, one folding). The solid barrel rib is signed "John Rigby & Co. Dublin & London." A fine scroll and border engraved motif is featured on the frame, hammers, lock plates, trigger guard, barrel release lever, barrel tang, stock mounting hardware and percussion cap compartment. The barrel release lever is located ahead of the trigger guard. The action has sliding hammer safeties. The underside of both barrels are numbered to the gun under the forearm. The forearm is also numbered to the gun. Brown barrels, blue trigger guard and the remaining metal surfaces casehardened. The foreman and grip are profusely checkered. The highly figured detachable shoulder stock features a checkered bare butt. The mounting hardware is engraved, and there is a crowned monogrammed insert on the underside of the stock. The partitioned case is lined in blue felt and contains a J. Rigby oiler, screwdriver, nipple wrench and single cavity brass bullet mold with unidentified markings. The inside of the case lid has a J. Rigby paper label. The top of the lid has highly figured quarter panels.

Very fine as professionally restored. The pistol components retain 98% plus of their respective finishes showing a few light handling marks and light muzzle wear. The wood is fine with a repair in the grip and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The stock shows limited handling marks on the wood and a dark mottled patina on the hardware. The case is very good with restored exterior and high spot wear on the lining. Nearly all of the stained label remains.