Page 90 - 4096-BOOK2

LOT 1083
Scarce E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent .22 Rimfire Cane Gun with Small Curved Handle - Serial no. 1424, 22 RF cal., 28 3/4 inch
round bbl., brown finish, gutta percha grips. Manufactured c. 1866 to 1888, this is a fine example of one of the more sought after variations of
Remington cane gun. 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 .32RF, with this example
being the former. 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 “1424” is visible at the bottom of the shaft,
on the handle, just below the silver band, and on the iron ferrule at the tip. It measures 35 1/2 inches overall.
CONDITION: Fine, the gutta percha shaft and grip showing an even, attractively aged chocolate tone overall with some mild handling wear. The German silver shows an aged patina, and
the iron ferrule is a mottled grey-brown patina. Mechanically needs work.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1086
Outstanding Remington-UMC Over/Under Double
Derringer Pistol with Box - Serial no. L97812, 41
RF cal., 3 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber
grips. Manufactured c. 1912-1935, per page 168 of
“Flayderman’s Guide, 9th Edition”. Offered here is
an excellent .41 rimfire Remington-UMC Double
Derringer. This all blued example has the Remington-
UMC manufacturer address on the top rib, anchor
inspection marking on the right side of the frame,
and matching visible serial numbers marked on
the lower barrel and left of the frame beneath the
grip. Fitted with finely checkered hard rubber grips.
Includes a correct factory maroon box with some
period handwritten markings on the side of the lid,
and Remington-UMC end label listing the model,
finish and caliber.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, near new overall, retains 99% plus
original blue finish, with a few minor handling marks, and crisp
grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. Box is very
good with general age related storage wear. This
outstanding Remington-UMC Double Derringer with
box would be nearly impossible to improve upon!
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1084
Highly Desirable E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Rimfire Cane Gun with “Dog’s Head” Handle - Serial no. 281, 32 RF cal., 29 1/2 inch round
bbl., 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 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. The “dog’s head” handle is often cited as the most desirable. There is a German silver band on the upper/grip portion of the cane. The shaft is
sleeved in similar black gutta percha as the handle. The shaft is tipped with an iron ferrule at the muzzle which serial number “281” faintly visible. The matching serial number is also faintly visible
on the shaft just above the ferrule, where the gutta percha has been sealed to protect the original number.
CONDITION: Good, the gutta percha showing a mottled chocolate brown appearance overall, some wear on the upper section housing the action, some repaired/sealed cracks on the shaft near the tip,
bright German silver, and the iron ferrule showing grey patina and pitting. The grip handle is slightly loose. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000
LOT 1085
European “Apache” Style Pinfire
Knuckle Duster Pocket Revolver with Folding Dagger
- NSN, 7 mm pinfire cal., 1 1/2 inch fluted bbl., bright/blue
finish, metal grips. Manufactured c. the late 19th century,
the revolver combines a double action revolver with folding German silver
knuckles and a 3 1/2 inch folding dagger. There are no visible maker’s marks, but
the cylinder and frame have faint crossed scepter proofs. The Apache revolver
received its nickname from the Parisian street gangs of the late 19th century and
early 20th century. These criminals were particularly fond of using hand to hand
combat. The brass knuckles obviously fit this style well. The revolver and knife
were also suitable for use in a multi-person attack that was commonly used: one
member of the gang would disable the victim with a scarf or similar item while
the other picked through their pockets for valuables. They could be used as a
threat to ensure compliance.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% plus of the slightly faded original blue finish on
the cylinder and small parts, polished dagger, the balance mostly grey patina,
the German silver remaining mostly bright, and some scattered light dings.
Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
88