NRA’s National Firearms Museum is bringing a special traveling exhibit, “Guns of the Maharajas” to the February 10, 11, and 12  Nation’s Gun Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA.  

 

Part of the fabulous Robert E. Petersen Gallery, show-goers will be able to view rare arms once owned by wealthy moguls, maharajahs, and nawabs that include an exotic Alexander Henry “Howdah” pistol chambered in .577.   Heavily embellished in gold, this double-barreled pistol was intended to serve as the ultimate protection for hunters riding in the small Howdah hut atop an elephant’s back.  If attacked by a tiger, the two powerful shots of the Howdah were deemed more than enough at close range to knock a tiger off the backside of the elephant.

 

Double rifles from Holland & Holland include an exquisite  .465 Nitro once owned by the Nawab of Moin-ud-Dowla.  This two-barreled rifle has been fitted with golden cloisonné sideplates that blend different-colored shades of gold into jungle scenes.  An equally impressive .375 H & H double rifle from the renowned arms collection of the Maharajah Bupindra Singh of Patiala showcases the finest of gold inlay engraving.

 

For more information on the National Firearms Museum, check out the museum’s website at www.nramuseum.com, call (703) 267-1600 or e-mail nfmstaff@nrahq.org.