The mid-19th Century saw a significant spike in the popularity of canes, especially among the more well-to-do of societies in Europe and North America. This popularity led to a desire for an item that was a fashionable accessory for a gentleman, as well as having some defensive capabilities, should the need arise. Remington saw this as an opportunity, and in 1858 patented a percussion cane gun which was designed by John F. Thomas, their master mechanic. The Civil War interrupted production significantly but it was resumed at the end of the war, with production soon shifting to a new and improved rimfire variation. These percussion examples were manufactured c. 1858-1866, with a total of 500 estimated to have been made. This example has a rarely seen small curved handle made of the same brown gutta percha as the shaft. There is a small brass band where the handle meets the shaft and a serrated iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle that has the Thomas patent marking and Remington address. There is a small iron band affixed to the shaft above the ferrule. The serial number "10" is marked on the iron ferrule, on the action, and on the top edge of the shaft, visible when the two portions are separated. The breech portion of the barrel appears to have a repaired crack with splices running perpendicular to the crack itself. It measures 33 1/2 inches overall. Provenance: The Al Kelley Collection; The George S Lewis Jr. Collection

Exceptionally fine, the gutta percha showing an attractively aged chocolate tone overall with some scattered light handling marks. The brass and iron both show attractively aged patina with clear markings. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding example of a rare Remington percussion cane gun that would be welcome in any collection!