This is what I want to get at. Features.

Surely there is a period catalog somewhere which details the features of what the trade would term a "Howdah Pistol".

On this particular pair, the stalking safeties are much more a feature of Traveler or Officer's pistols.
Not a very useful feature on a Howdah pistol. Really, not a very good feature to have on a Howdah pistol.

Also, note the more diminutive rounded grips. Contrast that to the cartridge Howdah pictured above. Although a later gun, obviously, it displays a definite flair at the grip cap which is a typical feature of a Howdah pistol.

As a last line of defense against a raging Tiger, Howdah pistols are the epitome of the "all that you need and nothing you don't" premise in design.

That is my opinion, and as you say, Nordmann, you can take it or leave it.