You know I keep hearing that. I just googled Howdah pistol images and I see more than one REAL howdahs with a saw handle grip...not many but a few. Then theres the Pedersoli Alaskan which doesnt have a saw handle grip. Looking at Google images again, there are a few REAL Howdahs with similar grips.

My biggest issue with the Pedesoilis is the cartridge. 45Colt seems waaaay to small. I have all brass 410 slugs that dont look completely right either and then theres the power factor.

Im toying with 45-70 as a period cartridge and an easily available build option. I considered 20/577 but thats even harder to find build parts (barrels, reamers, dies). IF I can find someone to make 500S&W inserts, then Id down load rounds to an antique shotgun pressure level. At least then Id have a 50 caliber cartridge. Ultimately 45-70 seems the best and easiest build option