Lot 108

1827-1835 JP Hubbard John Day Percussion Cane Gun

Estimate: $1,250 - $2,250

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
The lot features an outstanding circa 1827-1835 John Day and J.P. Hubbard London English percussion under hammer walking cane gun. The cane displays iron barrel, under hammer and trigger system, with curved walnut one piece grip handle. The cane gun shows a medallion on the back of the barrel with a coat of arms with a lion and unicorn and marked "(J.)P. Hubbard 26 Newgales - Days Patent" with the embossed coat of arms. The manufacture of cane guns had been in place in Britian since the early 1820’s, marketed primarily to farmers and crop workers. This is based on original patterns by English gunsmith John Daly and designed with a recessed under hammer under barrel and folding trigger. These were typically advertised as farm tools with long, slender barrels that could probe vegetable growths for burrowing animals and fire packed shot or a .32 caliber slug. The firing system is known as a Days Patent ignition, patented in 1823 by John Day considered by many to be the first inventor of the percussion firing system. This example of cane gun is extremely scarce with few coming up for sale, one offered was a worse condition example sold at Freeman’s 2011 auction for $2,500 (w/ bp) with this being a nicer kept example. The piece shows a warm patina and good condition overall with wear and pitting due to age. The piece shows solid construction with some pitting and rust across the cane barrel. The trigger and hammer system are non functional with the tension spring not engaging. The cane measures 34 1/2" long by 1" at the widest with the handle measuring 3" long. Antique firearm that does not require an FFL.