The Remington Cane Gun was designed by John F. Thomas, Remington's master mechanic, and patented in February of 1858 in an attempt to break into a fashionable market that was, at the time, reaching its zenith. Gentlemen of the mid-19th century were showing increasing desire for fashionable canes, often fitted with useful tools, or defensive weapons, leading to the popularity of sword or gun canes for use against any threats one might face while out for a stroll. The percussion version of these canes from produced throughout the Civil War, with production significantly hampered, but resumed with the end of hostilities. Shortly after the war production shifted to the new and improved rimfire models, which were made from about 1866 to 1888 in two calibers, .22RF and .32RF, with this example being the latter. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 of each caliber were made. This example has a scarce, special order, large silver dog's head grip and black colored gutta percha shaft. Renowned Remington collector Elliot Burka states in an article for the American Society of Arms Collectors that he was aware of both the "right angle" and "dog's head handles" made out of ivory, without mention of silver plated variations, indicating that this example is incredible scarce. Like most major firearms producers at the time, Remington was open to almost any special requests from clients who had the cash, and with standard production variations of these canes already scarce, special order configurations such as this are extremely rare and very desirable to collectors. There is a small German silver band where the handle meets the shaft and a nickel finished, serrated iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle. There are no visible markings. It measures 36 1/2 inches overall. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very fine, the silver plated handle and band both showing a very attractive antique patina, showing attractive black coloration on the gutta percha shaft, more than half of the silver remaining on the ferrule with a large patch of brown oxidation, and otherwise minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent.