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According to "Volcanic Firearms:
Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by
Lewis and Rutter, approximately 850 Volcanic
No. 1 Pocket Pistols with 3-1/2 inch barrels
were produced between 1857 and 1862.
LOT 6
Very Fine Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket
Lever Action Pistol - Serial no. 2017, 31 Volcanic 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
manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857 and 1862 per “Volcanic Firearms” (2011) by
Lewis and Rutter, page 73. 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 “2017” 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 retains 40% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on
the balance. The frame retains 85% plus original silver plating
taking on a very attractive age darkened appearance. The
engraving is crisp. The grips are fine with a small divot on the
right panel and number of minor handing marks. The lever does
not stay up, otherwise action functions properly. A well above
average condition factory engraved New Haven Arms
Co. Volcanic No. 1 pistol that would look great in
any antique American collection.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000