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LOT 1103
Highly Desirable E. Remington & Sons Thomas
Patent Rimfire Cane Gun with “Dog’s Head” Handle with
1866 Dated Presentation Inscribed/Engraved Silver Band to
Rev. R.T. Middleditch - Serial no. 92, 32 RF , 29 3/8 inch round bbl., brown
finish. 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 is one of approximately
2,000 originally manufactured in .32 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 are two silver bands on the upper/grip portion of the cane, the top band having floral engraving. The lower band has the inscription “Rev. R.T. Middleditch D.D. from M. Franklin Bristead./1866/Thy Staff and Protector”. R.T. Middleditch appears to have been a reverend in New York from around the middle of the 19th century into the early 20th century. The shaft is sleeved in similar black gutta percha as the handle. The shaft is tipped with an iron ferrule at the tip/muzzle which is marked “84”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, the gutta percha showing an attractively aged tone overall with some scattered very light handling marks. The engraved silver bands and iron ferrule show an attractively aged patina. Mechanically excellent. A rarely seen engraved/inscribed example of an outstanding Remington’s “Dog’s Head” cane!
Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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