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LOT 3020
Scarce and Desirable Factory
Engraved Smith & Wesson
Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pistol -
Serial no. C45, 31 cal., 4 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This very scarce early
repeating pistol is one of approximately 1,200 No. 1 pistols that were manufactured by Horace
Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1854 and 1855. They are historically significant pieces for both
Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors as they marked Smith and Wesson’s first business venture and are key pieces in
the evolution of lever action firearms which developed into the famous
Henry rifle and then Winchester’s famous line of lever actions. The barrel
has “CAST-STEEL” (right), “SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT.” (top) and
“PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854.” (left). Factory floral and scroll engraving is featured
on the frame, side plates, and hammer. “C45” is visible on the bottom of the action
and the left side of the frame under the grip. The matching number “45” appears on the
back of both grip panels.
CONDITION: Good displaying the gray patina associated with spending a lifetime in a challenging
environment. The grips are also good showing similar “working gun character” with a series of “kill notches”
on the left panel. Mechanically fine. A rare factory engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 pistol with a lot of
attractive character.
Estimate: 6,000 - 8,000
LOT 3019
Exceptional Factory Engraved
New Haven Arms Company
Silver-Plated Volcanic No. 1
Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 668,
31 cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips. This Volcanic
No.1 Lever Action Pocket pistol with extra cost factory engraving and silver-plated frame
was one of approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols between 1857 and 1862. At that time, this pistol
would have cost $13.50 compared to $12.00 for the plain version, an inexpensive upgrade at the time that has made this
particular pistol especially valuable today. This pistol has the distinctive octagonal barrel with integral magazine, “pinched” blade front sight fitted
at the muzzle, and “NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854” in two lines on top. The silver-plated “gunmetal” frame features classic factory scroll
and border engraving, a dovetail mounted notch rear sight, serial number “668” on the
left side of the butt under the flat base walnut grips which each feature the matching serial
number stamped on the back side. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. Volcanic 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 introduced
with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866,
1873, and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester’s investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually led to the establishment
of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The lever retains 60%
original blue finish. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer. The frame retains 70% original silver plating with the exposed brass having a
very attractive mellow appearance and crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine with some minor handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically fine. A well cared for factory engraved New Haven Arms
Co. Volcanic No. 1 pistol that will be a very attractive addition to any collection.
Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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