Kc-

I'd say Howdah pistols are in a similar class as very large bore (8+) double rifles when it comes to how often they come up for sale, possibly more rare.
I just don't know what the build ratios were vs rifles and shotguns, but I have a sense that a lot of howdah pistols ended up in India, rotting in the hot humidity with the help from highly corrosive primers and hygroscopic blackpowder residue, tucked into belts against the sweaty bellies of preoccupied hunters.

I can imagine that there were *a lot more* howdahs lost in the jungle than rifles or shotguns too.

Note yours has a lanyard ring.
The lanyard ring isn't very common.
More often I see either ornate grip caps or compartment grip caps.
That lanyard ring may well be the only reason you have the opportunity to show this one off to us this week!

--Tinker