Make: E. Remington & Sons
Model: J.F. Thomas Patent Rifle Cane
Serial#: 136
Year of Manufacture: Antique (Circa 1859–1865)
Caliber: .31 Caliber Percussion
Action Type: Single-Shot, Percussion Ignition Rifle Cane with Removable Breech Section
Markings: Marked faintly "J.F. Thomas Patent Feb'y 9, 1858" “Remington & Son’s Illion NY” and serial number “136” on the muzzle shaft fitting.
Barrel Length: Approximately 9" internal rifled barrel; 28”shaft & 35.5” overall cane length.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The cane shaft is coated with a thin, original gutta-percha (hard rubber) covering, showing none of the expected cracks or small chips. There are handling marks consistent with age and typical usage. The cane's handle is a replacement and not original to the piece. The metal fittings and ferrule appear original, exhibiting normal age and patina. Overall, the shaft and fittings remain in Very Good antique condition, with wear consistent with careful handling and age.
Type of Finish: Gutta-Percha (Hard Rubber) coating; Brass-lined internal barrel tube.
Finish Originality: Original gutta-percha shaft coating; handle is a later replacement.
Bore Condition:
The short internal rifled iron barrel is bright with sharply defined rifling. Minimal erosion is present near the breech. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates approximately 8.5/10 for an antique firearm.
Overall Condition:
This rare Remington Rifle Cane retains the majority of its original gutta-percha finish, showing minor age-related wear, but no cracks and only handling marks typical of these delicate firearms. The metal components remain solid, displaying natural patina. All markings remain legible but faint due to their delicate original application. Overall, this Rifle Cane is in Very Good antique condition.
Mechanics:
The percussion firing mechanism functions correctly. The removable breech section unscrews easily to reveal the chamber area. This mechanism operates as originally intended, although no extraction or ejection mechanism exists, as designed. As with all antique firearms, inspection by a qualified gunsmith is advised before firing.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment:
Invented by John F. Thomas, Remington’s master mechanic, and patented on February 9, 1858, the Remington Rifle Cane represents one of the earliest American civilian firearms designed specifically for discreet personal protection. Approximately 500 percussion examples were produced between 1859 and 1865, making them among the rarest and most collectible concealed firearms today.
This innovative firearm ingeniously conceals its percussion mechanism completely within the gutta-percha-covered brass cane shaft. It features a rifled iron barrel of approximately nine inches in length hidden within the upper section of the cane. The lead ball traveled from this short rifled barrel into a brass-lined smooth tube toward the muzzle, ingeniously disguised as an elegant walking accessory. To load, the breech unscrewed from the barrel shaft, and after firing, spent percussion caps and powder residues required manual removal.
Serial number 136 places this firearm among the early percussion-production examples. Despite the replaced handle, it remains historically significant due to its scarcity, originality, and condition. Its subtle elegance and practical ingenuity reflect Remington's dedication to innovation during an era that prized both form and function. For collectors specializing in Remington firearms, Civil War-era weaponry, or unique concealed weapons, this rifle cane represents a rare and highly desirable piece of American firearm history.