| 85lc |
| (.375 member) |
| 30/07/23 10:30 AM |
John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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We have had several post about Howdah pistols so I thought I would post this for your interest.
I noticed Rock Island Auction has a Rigby howdah pistol as its Item 3433. See https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail...-577-cartridge.
RIA believes that this pistol will sell for between $7,500 & $11,000. (just a little more that I would pay so I will stick with my 454 Casull).
This pistol is describes as follows:
Lot 3433: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartridge
Auction Date: August 27, 2023
Originally developed by dangerous game hunters in India, the Howdah pistol is named for the elaborate elephant-mounted saddle/carriage that tiger hunters would shoot from. In general, Howdah pistols are large caliber handguns and many have two or more barrels. The gunsmiths of London, such as John Rigby & Co, responded to this new demand with purpose and built large-bore pistols with enough power to stop tigers dead in its tracks. This example has dovetailed blade and three leaf rear sights on a solid rib signed "JOHN RIGBY & Co. DUBLIN & LONDON." A fine scroll and border engraved motif is featured on the frame, hammers, upper tang, and barrel wedge escutcheons. An engraved tiger is featured on each lock plate. The barrel release lever is located ahead of the trigger guard. The barrels are brown Damascus, the hammers and trigger guard are blue, and the remaining surfaces are casehardened. The stock and forearm are checkered, and the butt cap is horn.
Fine as professionally refinished overall. The barrels retain 99% plus of the brown Damascus. The hammers and trigger guard retain 98% of the blue finish with an area of minor spotting. The remaining surfaces retain 95% of the case colors. The wood is also fine with sharp recut checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.
NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 30/07/23 03:06 PM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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Thanks very much for posting. Just need to get the images up on NE for our instant viewing pleasure and archive.
I'd buy it ina second if I was financial. Someone please report what it sells for.
I'm guessing .577 Snider. If so probably 70 grs BP, and a 480 gr .577 lead bullet.
One standing and two folding leaves rear V sight! Ambitious sighting for long range howdah shooting. I wonder how it actually goes.
Would-be fun to own and shoot occasionally.
I wonder if one could be carried as a backup bear defence handgun?:) Some might prefer a revolver. Probably more accurate.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 30/07/23 03:12 PM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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Anyone know how to pinch images from the RIA site?
BTW who is the hunter in the image? Looks familiar, I'm sure I will remember eventually.
A younger Corbett?
| 85lc |
| (.375 member) |
| 31/07/23 02:10 AM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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John,
While I cannot figure how to post pictures, I was able to paste the pictures to a word document that I emailed to you. Hopefully you will get it and be able to post here.
I wonder what ballistics one gets from a 577 Sinder fired from a 9" barrel. Probably has a great fireball.
| LRF |
| (.333 member) |
| 31/07/23 10:18 PM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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Let see if this works
| 85lc |
| (.375 member) |
| 01/08/23 12:44 AM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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LRF,
That is great. Thank you. Maybe some day, I will learn how to do that.
| 93x64mm |
| (.416 member) |
| 01/08/23 08:41 PM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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Magnificent piece!
Must have been restored, albeit very nicely!
Certainly would be a GREAT fireball when those beauties go off!
| fjrdoc |
| (.300 member) |
| 01/08/23 08:49 PM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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Very interesting pistol. The express sights might be a little optimistic for long distance shooting.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 02/08/23 02:42 AM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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LRF, please pm me how you extracted images? Some good firearms on the RIA site worth displaying and archiving.
I could get the RIA images to save image using android.
Thanks for posting. Archiving them.
I'd buy it!
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 02/08/23 03:11 AM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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Added to Harrowing Howdah Hunting Adventures
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=164007&an=&page=0&vc=1
| 85lc |
| (.375 member) |
| 02/08/23 09:24 AM |
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Re: John Rigby & Co. Howdah Double Barrel Pistol in .577 Cartrid
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John.
I have been able to copy (right cdlick) and paste RIA pictures on to a word document.