E. Remington & Sons "Dog's Head" Grip .22 Rimfire Cane Gun

The Remington Percussion Cane Gun was patented by John F. Thomas, Remington's master mechanic, on 9 February 1858. 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. Cane guns and swords were popular with European gentlemen in the 19th century, with canes being considered an essential part of a gentleman's wardrobe in the Victorian Era. Due to the increase in street crime in both European and American cities, 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." This example is one of approximately 2,000 originally manufactured in .22 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 is a silver band on the upper/grip portion of the cane. It has also been fitted with an iron band 2 inches back from the muzzle that has a bead front sight. The shaft is sleeved in similar black gutta percha as the handle. The shaft is tipped with a reproduction iron ferrule at the muzzle which is marked with the typical Thomas patent marks, Remington address, and "731."

Condition: Very good, with the gutta percha showing mostly an attractively aged chocolate brown tone and some scattered light handling marks and repairs visible on the center of the shaft. The reproduction ferrule tip shows a mixture of blue finish and grey patina, recut markings, and appears to be permanently attached. Mechanically excellent.