#monkeetalks

The finished howdah pistol. This came out really nice and I really enjoyed working on it. I’ll have to do this again sometime. It’s really satisfying.

This is what I’ve been working on today. It’s a replica black powder howdah pistol. This type of gun was used by big game hunters in India about 230 years ago, to defend themselves from tigers while hunting from the back of an elephant. It takes it’s name from the howdah, the basket on the elephant’s back.

I’ve shaped up the wood to my satisfaction, and I got started on shining up the rough cast steel parts. Once that’s all done, I’m going to stain and finish the grip. I’m still trying to decide if I want to decorate the grip, or just leave it as is.

I don’t intend to use this much, if at all, but it’s been an interesting project and a good way to keep my hands and mind busy. I enjoy working with my hands, and this isn’t brainless work. I find it stimulating and satisfying to work on, in much the same way as building a computer.

Closet shelf and rod replaced. Securely attached to studs and boards mounted on studs.