The Remington Percussion Cane Gun was patented by John F. Thomas, Remington's master mechanic, on 9 February 1858. These canes were one of the first civilian firearms produced by Remington, and they were the only major American manufacturer to produce one. It is estimated that between 1858 and 1866 only 500 of the percussion cane guns were manufactured, with many of them later being converted to .32 Rimfire. This example is one of approximately 2,000 originally manufactured in .32 RF. Along with that, this particular example has the "dog's head" handle, which is fashioned out of black toned gutta percha. Though the "dog's head" handle is not necessarily the scarcest handle variation seen on these canes, it is often cited as the most desirable. The shaft is sleeved in similar black gutta percha as the handle. There is a small brass band where the handle meets the shaft and an iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle which is marked "84" and with the Thomas patent and Remington address. It measures 34 inches overall. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Very fine overall, the gutta percha of the shaft shows an attractively aged chocolate tone, the upper portion and dog's head grip being slightly darker, and some scattered light handling marks. The brass and iron show an attractively aged patina. Mechanically fine.