* Early development: Early elephant rifles were developed in Europe (mainly Britain) in the 18th and 19th centuries. These were often heavy, black powder rifles.
* Modernization: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European and American manufacturers developed more powerful and reliable elephant rifles using smokeless powder and improved technology. This included manufacturers like Holland & Holland (UK), Mauser (Germany), and Winchester (USA).
* Modern Era: Today, many countries produce high-end rifles suitable for elephant hunting, including Germany, South Africa, Italy, and the United States.
So, while there isn't a single origin, the elephant gun's development has been a global effort driven by the need for powerful rifles to take down these large animals.