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LOT 6
Exceptional Extremely Early Production Serial Number 5 Factory
Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Lever
Action Pistol - Serial no. 5, 31 Volcanic cal., 3 3/4 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Offered here is an extremely rare early production, serial number 5, Volcanic No. 1 Pocket pistol
manufactured c. 1857 by the New Haven Arms Company upon being reorganized from the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company.
This example has non-standard features when compared with the following production models, and bears no manufacturer
markings, with the only visible markings being “PATENT” lightly stamped on top of the barrel, the early single digit serial number “5”
on the right side of the grip frame, with “35” visible on bottom of the component ahead of the lever. Approximately 850 of the production No. 1 Pocket pistols were
manufactured by New Haven Arms Company with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857-1862, per “Volcanic Firearms” (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, page 73. The pistol has a 3
3/4 inch barrel in .31 caliber. Although New Haven advertised No. 1 pocket pistols with a 4 inch barrel, the barrels actually measured 3 1/2 inches on production examples. No. 1
pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson c. 1854-1855 had a 4 inch barrel but these barrels were part octagon. The barrel on this pistol is full octagon. The contours to the front of
the frame distinguish it from the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol. The frame contours on this pistol feature a “stepped” type design, with these contours being similar to those
found on small frames manufactured by Smith & Wesson. Note that a single screw secures the lever and side plates rather than two as on the Smith & Wesson specimens. Other design
features on this pistol are shared with the standard New Haven No. 1 Pocket pistol. These shared features include a full octagon barrel, a flat bottom grip, a finger loop lever without spur, a single screw
securing the lever and side plates, and engraved brass side plates and frame. The distinctive octagonal barrel has an integral magazine below, with a pinched blade front sight on top, and a notch rear
sight on top of the frame. A broad floral scroll pattern is engraved on the silver plated side plates and frame, with floral patterns engraved on the back strap and top flats of the receiver. Note that the engraving coverage deviates
from the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol pattern as the front sides areas of the frame are plain which is
more commonly observed on Smith & Wesson engraved small frames. This lack of engraving was presumably
due to the “stepped” contour which created less surface area for a proper embellishment. A combination of the
aforementioned features makes this pistol highly unusual, and coupled with its single digit serial number indicates
it to be an early production gun New Haven Arms Company likely manufactured before settling on the familiar
design of the No. 1 Pockets. 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: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% original blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube, 90% original
silver plated finish on the frame, exhibiting a highly attractive original evenly aged patina, with bright golden
patina on the balance of the exposed brass, traces of original blue finish on the lever with smooth gray and brown
patina, and distinct engraving. Grips are very fine, with much of the original glossy varnish finish, scratches, and
defined edges. Magazine elevator occasionally requires manual assistance to reset; otherwise’ mechanically
functions. This early production No. 1 Pocket pistol is a desirable example worthy of a prominent place in an
advanced American firearms collection!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 11,000 - 18,000
LOT 7
Rare Union Cased Portrait of a Union Soldier Armed with a Volcanic Pistol - The portrait has a camp
background and shows a man with a Volcanic pistol in his hand laying across his lap. His cheeks have light blush,
his buttons and the lever of the pistol have gold tinting and his pants are tinted blue. The portrait is set within a
Scovill Manufacturing Co. gutta percha “Union Case.”
CONDITION: Fine with a clear image (especially the man’s face) and mild overall storage wear including some
minor chipping at the edges of the case. This would be an excellent addition to a Volcanic collection or a Civil War
collection and is perfect for displaying alongside an appropriate pistol.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000