^Lot 583A Antique ''Howdah'' Mil. Perc. Pistol

Antique Large-Bore ''Howdah'' or Military Percussion Pistol, with perhaps-Burmese markings, NVSN, approx. 65 cal. or 16 ga. smoothbore, 8'' round barrel with blade front and notched rear sights is marked with what may be Burmese markings at breech; flat lockplate has similar but different markings ahead of and behind hammer; brass mountings include sturdy loop triggerguard, flat oval buttplate with elongated rear tang and lanyard loop, small winged sideplate, nosecap having squared front and integral ferrule to retain the stirrup-type steel ramrod with broad flat tip; 1-pc. oil-finished walnut fullstock has single barrel retaining key, raised panels at either side of lock. Mfg'd. likely c 1860s-1890s, maybe later. Condition is very good, the steel having no original finish (perhaps originally left in the ''white'') but a generally smooth deep brown patina, the brass with an aged tone, the stock smooth with general age/use marks. Workmanship is sturdy and somewhat crude as typical of the type; edges and markings are mostly sharp; action is very strong; smoothbore shows moderate overall black-powder erosion. Est.: $350-$650. (Antique)