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Exceptional Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Lever Action Navy Pistol - Serial no. 1544, 41 Volcanic cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., blue/brass finish, varnished walnut grips. This is an exceptional example of a Lever Action Navy pistol with an 8 inch barrel that was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., circa 1857. The pistol has
the distinctive, brass frame, octagon barrel with integral magazine and loading lever with finger hole which identify Volcanic pistols and carbines. The pistol has a brass pin front sight, and receiver mounted rear sight. The two-piece, flat based, walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The barrel/magazine is blued and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the three line legend “THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB 14. 1854”. The legend identifies the pistol as a product of the Volcanic Arms Co., prior to the reorganization of the firm in April 1857 as the New Haven Arms Co., by
the principal stockholder Oliver Winchester. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver butt beneath the grips, on the inside of both grips and on the right side of the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Volcanic pistols and carbines were revolutionary firearms. The combination of an integral, spring loaded magazine, self cocking lever action and self contained, internally primed, “rocket-ball” cartridge represented a dramatic advance in firearm design. Investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., introduced shirt maker Oliver Winchester to the firearms industry. Although the Volcanic carbines and pistols were not a commercial success, the basic design, when combined with a more powerful and reliable brass cartridge was the basis for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 rifles and carbines.