Howdahs are a tricky subject, here in the US. If one has a smooth bore it would be considered a short barreled shotgun, hence illegal or an NFA weapon. I only buy percussion howdahs, for this reason. Even a worn break action could land you in prison or court if the rifling was worn. New York has the worst gun laws in the country since they are handguns they are heavily regulated in NYC, antique or not. That is probably why the wont sell them to you. I say liberate them in the name of the Queen!