Remington only manufactured an estimated 2,000 .32 rimfire cane guns in the 1860s to 1880s in several variations. This cane gun features the distinctive large dog head handle and is inscribed with "C. Hardin Monmouth, Ill." on the silver collar, "502" on the dark gutta percha on the shaft/barrel section near the joint, and "J.F. THOMAS/PATENT/FEB'Y 9, 1858/REMINGTON & SON'S/ILION. N.Y./136" on the iron tip. Based on the inscription, this cane was most likely owned by Chancy Hardin (1815-1892), a wealthy businessman and important pioneer of Monmouth, Illinois. He came to Warren County, Illinois, in 1840, settled in Monmouth in 1850, owned thousands of acres of land in Illinois as well as Iowa and Minnesota, operated C. Hardin & Sons c. 1860-1867 in Monmouth as hardware merchants, served as deputy sheriff, formed and served as an executive in multiple banking enterprises, and farmer. One of his son's bore the same name, so it is also possible it was his. The original design was patented by Remington's master mechanic John F. Thomas in 1858 and first produced using percussion ignition. The Remington cane guns have the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge long arm produced by Remington. Remington was also the only major U.S. manufacturer to produce cane guns. Due to the increase in street crime in both European and American cities in the 19th century, the need for a defensive weapon while still wanting to look sharp helped promote the production of these weapons. Remington advertised "The Remington Rifle Cane" as "Just the Thing for Taxidermists" and as "Protection against Dogs and Highwaymen."

Very fine with distinct dog head design on the handle, legible inscription and light patina on the silver collar, darker gutta percha on the handle section, mottled dark brown tones on the shaft, and brown patina on the tip. Mechanically fine. This is a very rare and attractive Remington cane gun. All of these fascinating firearms are rare, but those with the distinctive large dog head handle are particularly popular with collectors and those with inscriptions are even scarcer.