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LOT 3029
Exceptional Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Lever Action Navy Pistol - Serial no.
1133, 41 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This highly attractive, highly
sought after Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Navy pistol features an eight inch barrel with
“THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEW HAVEN CONN FEB, 1854” stamped
on the top flat. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. manufactured only an estimated 1,500
Navy pistols with 8 inch barrels between 1855 and 1857. The pistol has an integral ten
shot magazine, a brass receiver, and the distinctive loading lever with finger hole. The
receiver has a dovetail mounted notch rear sight and a semi-circular cut-out at the
front of the ejection port. The matching serial number is located on the right side of the
loading lever, left side of the butt beneath the grip, and stamped on the inside of both
grip panels. 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. The
Volcanic repeaters were mainly hampered by their underpowered and often problematic
ammunition. After these New Haven pistols, lever action designs focused on rifles and
carbines. Volcanic lever action firearms are highly popular among today’s collectors,
especially high condition examples like this one that are becoming
increasingly difficult to find.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue finish with
thinning to brown on the balance and a couple patches of pitting. The exceptional brass
has a highly attractive mellow aged patina. The receiver has tight fitting side plates. Traces
of blue remains on the lever. Some original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips
are fine with a number of dings, some high edge wear, and most of the original varnish
remaining. Mechanically fine. A well cared for Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Navy pistol.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
According to "Volcanic Firearms:
Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle"
by Lewis and Rutter, approximately
1500 Volcanic Volcanic Navy pistols
were produced with 8 inch barrels.