Cane rifle with bamboo shaft and antique ivory handle. The gun, concealed inside the knob handle, is marked "LAMBERT'S/PATENT" on the side of the trigger mechanism and follows a February 27, 1832 dated patent attributed to Roger N. Lambert of Upton, Massachusetts. To operate, pull the handle a half inch back and unscrew it from the shaft/barrel, then load the end of the detached handle with powder, patch and ball and screw it back on to the end of the barrel. Next, pull the handle back to cock the mechanism, then push down on the handle so that it is at a 20 degree angle and hold it down, the hammer will rise and the trigger will automatically open. With the hammer in the up position a percussion cap can be placed and the trigger is able to be pulled for firing as long as the handle is held down at an angle. The brass ferrule at the muzzle flips open upon cocking. Metal rifled bore inside of the bamboo shaft. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection