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. There are two silver bands on the upper/grip portion of the cane, the top band having floral engraving. The lower band has the inscription "Rev. R.T. Middleditch D.D. from M. Franklin Bristead./1866/Thy Staff and Protector". R.T. Middleditch appears to have been a reverend in New York from around the middle of the 19th century into the early 20th century. The shaft is sleeved in similar black gutta percha as the handle. The shaft is tipped with an iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle which is marked "84". Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman