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LOT 3016
New Haven Arms Co Volcanic Lever Action No. 2
Navy Pistol - Serial no. 2074, 41 Volcanic cal., 6 inch
octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Offered here is a rare and desirable example
of an estimated 300 New Haven Arms Co. manufactured No. 2 Navy pistols featuring 6
inch barrels in .41 caliber. These pistols were manufactured in 1857-1860. The New Haven
Arms No. 2 Navy Pistols are among the rarest New Haven Arms Volcanic firearms. The barrel
was originally blue, and the hammer and finger lever have a casehardened finish. The top of
the barrel is roll stamped: “REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854”. The
“VOLCANIC” markings which were part of the barrel legend were omitted after Oliver F. Winchester
reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. as the New Haven Arms Co. in April 1857. The matching
serial number is stamped on the right side of the grip frame, back of both grip panels, and finger lever. The Volcanic
lever action firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American
repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine of these pistols and carbines
served as the basic design for the Henry rifle, and Oliver Winchester’s investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually
led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and the Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrel and magazine tube has a smooth dark brown patina with pitting. The fine brass has a series of
light scratches mostly on the right side and mostly a bright appearance. The receiver has tight fitting side plates. The follower head is
absent. The grips are good with a hairline crack on the left panel and a number of dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
According to "Volcanic Firearms:
Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter, about 300
New Haven No. 2 Navy pistols were produced with 6 inch barrels.
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