Howdah pistol

Multi-barreled breech-loading designs were later favoured over contemporary revolvers, due to their higher velocity and faster reloading potential.

Hunters, particularly in British Raj India, used howdahs as a platform for hunting, and needed large-calibre side-arms for protection against close quarters animal attacks.

[2] The practice of hunting from the howdah basket on top of an Asian elephant was first made popular by the East India Company during the 1790s.

[4] Although howdah pistols were originally for emergency defence against dangerous animals in Africa and India, British officers later carried them for personal protection and even battlefield use.

[3] By the late 19th century, top-break revolvers in more practical calibres (such as .455 Webley) had become widespread,[3] removing much of the traditional market for howdah pistols.