Welcome to right now’s Photo of the Day! Right here we’ve got a W.H. Kleft telescope and flintlock cane gun manufactured within the early nineteenth century. In 1814, Kleft was granted British patent 3837 for a strolling employees containing pistol, powder, ball, screw telescope, pen, ink, paper, pencil, knife, and drawing utensils.
Throughout the early 1800s, canes have been at peak recognition amongst higher society, and plenty of distinctive makes an attempt have been made including utility to strolling sticks. Kleft’s patent represented the final word gentleman’s multi-tool idea, although few examples containing all parts have been really made.
This instance incorporates a flintlock pistol, screw telescope, and oil bottle. The small folding set off screw-barrel flintlock pistol is contained throughout the prime grip space. Gentle floral and martial engraving decorates the pistol marked “W.H. KLEFT/INVENTOR” and “LONDON”.
The cane includes 5 threaded sections: higher part containing the pistol, an empty part under, the telescope, one other empty part, and backside part containing oil bottle and two lead weights with gilt brass tip. The shaft sections have spiraling ribs across the total size completed in black enamel with easy gilt brass cap on prime.
Restricted examples of Kleft canes exist with numerous part mixtures. The defensive pistol operate was in all probability extra novelty than sensible – a .36 caliber single-shot with folding set off wasn’t ideally suited for self-defense. The telescope probably noticed extra precise use for viewing distant topics throughout walks. These canes represented standing and ingenuity through the Regency and early Victorian intervals when gents’s equipment reached peak elaboration.
Most of our POTDs make the most of photos from our mates at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the US. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, possibly you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take residence!
“Engraved W.H. Kleft Telescope and Flintlock Cane Pistol.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4096/3277/engraved-wh-kleft-telescope-and-flintlock-cane-pistol. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Trending Merchandise
