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The letter “Y” is marked on the left side of the lever. Volcanic arms have a significant place
in the development of American firearms. The combination of a self-contained cartridge,
integral, multi-shot magazine and self-cocking lever action made Volcanic pistols and
carbines the most advanced firearms of their day. The key features of the Volcanic
pistols and carbines were refined and incorporated in the Henry rifle and Winchester
Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles and carbines. Finally, shirt maker Oliver Winchester’s
investment in Volcanic Repeating Arms introduced him to the firearms business.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue
finish. The hammer and lever have aged to a dark patina. The exceptional brass has an
attractive appearance with strong traces of gilt. The engraving is crisp. Unmarred screws.
The receiver has tight fitting sideplates. The stock is very fine with a couple tiny chips
at the upper tang, a crack along the grain behind the lower tang, and minor dings and
scratches with most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically fine. A rare factory
engraved Volcanic lever action carbine missing from even the most advanced collections.
No lever action collection can be considered complete without a Volcanic carbine!
Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 35,000 - 45,000
In Volcanic Firearms by Lewis and Rutter,
Volcanic lever action carbines are noted as "an
extreme rarity". Due to the Volcanic Repeating
Arms Co. existing for only 19 months, very few
examples were able to be manufactured.
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