[Adventure Guns] The gun cabinet of a Victorian explorer, hunter, Col. (Ret.)

[Icelander]

In a game of Victorian Monster-Hunteresqueness set in London in 1888, one of the PCs is a Wealthy gentleman big game hunter, exlorer and Colonel (Ret.) of an Indian regiment in Her Majesty service.

Since the PCs started the first game session at a funeral, it was not necessary to nail down exactly what equipment suitable for adventure the character had. It was sufficient to note that he possessed all of his Starting Wealth* for Wealthy in adventuring gear and, most particularly, in the kind of guns a gentelman explorer and big game hunter might own in 1888 London.

Now, I ask the forumites kindly, what guns might those be? I'm just starting to go through Adventure Guns, but so far, I don't see a cornucopia of options beyond those of High-Tech for an African big game hunter (as opposed to a Great Plains buffalo hunter).

What are absolute iconic weapons he must own?

What are good buys?

What are the less 'sexy' and adventure-handy weapons that he'd need for sporting purposes?

Some considerations about the Colonel's budget and what roles he'll need covered.

A short timeline of the Colone's early history, in order to note when he'd have acquired various guns.

A new, more detailed idea for his budget and what guns he will buy. Requires only some small refinements to be presentable as the final equipment list for the PC.

*While of gentle birth and decent education, his present respectability was earned through military service and prestige as a member of the Royal Society. He was born a bastard and only by the kind auspices of his father enabled to attend the right schools. His income was entirely due to his fund-raising for scientific exploration in Africa and his not inconsiderable fame as an author. As such, he had no fixed abode, but lived with friends or in hotels while not on the trail.