Page 18 - 4094-BOOK3

16
LOT 3015
Fine and Desirable Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 Lever
Action Pistol - Serial no. 352, 31 Volcanic cal., 4 inch part octagon bbl., brown/blue finish, rosewood 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.
“352” is visible on the bottom of the action, left side of grip frame, and both grip panels.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 60% original brown finish, strong traces of original blue remain on
the frame in the protected areas, and some original case colors remain on the hammer, with a smooth gray patina on
the balance. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also fine with minor handling marks and most of the original varnish
remaining. The lever does not stay up, otherwise the action functions properly.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 3014
Fine New Haven Arms
Company Volcanic No. 1 Lever
Action Pocket Pistol - Serial no.
36, 31 Volcanic cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut grips.
This is one of only an estimated 850 Volcanic No. 1 lever action pocket pistols
manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel by the New Haven Arms Company in New Haven, Connecticut
c. 1857-1862, per “Volcanic Firearms” (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, page 73. It has a non-engraved frame which is considered rarer.
As Lewis and Rutter pointed out, “Engraved sideplates and frame were much more common on the small-frame pistol than were
plain, polished frames even though the extra cost of engraving and plating was $1.50. Plain frames are very uncommon” (page 73). 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 Company eventually led to the establishment of
the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The barrel is fitted with a
pinched blade front sight and a simple notched rear sight is mounted in a dovetail
on the frame. The two-line address “NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854.” is
roll-stamped on top of the barrel. The deletion of “VOLCANIC” from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver
Winchester formed the New Haven Arms Company on May 1, 1857. The serial number “36” appears on the
right side of the lever, left side of the grip frame and on the back of the left grip panel.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish on the barrel with scattered freckling on the balance, attractive naturally aged untouched golden patina on the brass with tight sideplate joints, with much
of the niter blue finish on the cartridge elevator, smooth gray and brown patina on the hammer and lever, with a crisp barrel address and distinct edges in the metal overall. Grips are very fine with most of the original piano varnish
finish, some minor surface flaking along the lower edges, scattered light dents and scratches, defined edges and tight fitment. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000