Page 109 - Auction84-Book3

Desirable Rimfire and Percussion Variations of Remington Cane Guns
Fancy canes and walking sticks were part of a gentleman’s attire in the Victorian era and often a symbol of a man’s wealth and status. A silver dog’s head handle like this would have certainly made a statement.
LOT 3157
Very Desirable Special Order E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Rimfire Cane Gun with Extremely Rare Large Silver Plated “Dog’s Head” Handle - NSN, 32 RF cal., 29 3/4 inch round bbl., black/silver finish, gutta percha grips. 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.
CONDITION: 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.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
handle variation seen on these canes, it is often cited as the most desirable. The shaft is sleeved in brown gutta percha. There is a small German silver band where the handle meets the shaft and an iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle which is faintly marked “ J.F. Thomas Patent Feb 9. 1858 Remington And Sons Ilion N.Y.” as well as the serial number, “145”. It measures 35 1/2 inches overall. CONDITION: Fine, there are a few minor cracks on the upper portion of the shaft (some stabilized), a minor chip absent where the sight notch pops up, a minor crack in the chamber of the firing mechanism, some light pitting on the ferrule, and otherwise some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically fine apart from the crack in the chamber.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
marked with the “J.F. Thomas patent”, “Feb’y 9 1858”, “E. Remington and Sons” markings, as well as the serial number, “93”. It measures 32 inches overall.
CONDITION: Fine, showing mostly the original brown of the gutta percha with a few minor cracks in the upper portion of the shaft, slightly loose handle, and otherwise scattered minor handling marks. The iron ferrule shows a smooth grey patina and attractive antique patina on the silver. Mechanical adjustment needed as the striker does not cock.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
.32RF, with this example being the latter. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 of each caliber were made. This example has a rarely seen small curved handle made of the same brown gutta percha as the shaft. There is a small German silver band where the handle meets the shaft and a serrated iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle. The faint serial number “9631” is visible at the
bottom of the shaft, on the handle, just above and below the silver band, and the bottom of the upper portion of the shaft has traces of the patent markings. It measures 38 1/2 inches overall. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining most of an attractive brown with a few areas showing some light wear/fading and some scattered light handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
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LOT 3158
Desirable E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Percussion Cane Gun with “Dog’s Head” Handle - Serial no. 145, 31 cal., 28 inch round bbl., brown/black finish, gutta percha grips. 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 remains in its original percussion configuration making it even more scarce. Along with that, this particular example has the “dog’s head” handle, which is fashioned out of a darker brown or black toned gutta percha, likely due to sun fading. Though the “dog’s head” handle is not necessarily the most rare
LOT 3159
Desirable E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Percussion Cane Gun with Rare “Bulbous” Handle - Serial no. 93, 31 cal., 26 1/4 inch round bbl., brown finish, gutta percha grips. The Remington Cane Gun was designed by John F. Thomas, Remington’s master mechanic. 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 remains in its original percussion configuration making it even more scarce. Along with that, this particular example has the scarce “bulbous” handle, which has been noted as one of the more rare of the handle types. The handle is fashioned out of the same brown gutta percha as the shaft. There is a small silver band where the handle meets the shaft and a serrated iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle which is
LOT 3160
Scarce E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Rimfire Cane Gun with Small Curved Handle - Serial no. 9631, 32 RF cal., 31 inch round bbl., brown finish, gutta percha grips. The
mid-19th Century saw a significant spike in the popularity of canes, especially among the more well-to-do of societies in Europe and North America. This popularity led to a desire for an item that was a fashionable accessory for a gentleman, as well as having some defensive capabilities, should the need arise. Remington saw this as an opportunity, and in 1858 patented a percussion cane gun which was designed by John F. Thomas, their master mechanic. The Civil War interrupted production significantly but it was resumed at
the end of the war, with production soon shifting to a new and improved rimfire variation. These rimfire examples were made from about 1866 to 1888 in two calibers, .22RF and