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LOT 15
Scarce and Desirable
Factory Engraved Smith &
Wesson Small Frame Volcanic
No. 1 Lever Action Pistol
with Desirable Ivory Grips - Serial no.
53, 31 Volcanic cal., 4 inch part octagon bbl., brown/blue finish, antique ivory grips. This very scarce
early repeating pistol is one of approximately 1,200 of these No. 1 pistols manufactured by Horace
Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut; 700 of which believed to have been manufactured and assembled by Smith
& Wesson between 1854-1855, and the remaining 500 believed to have been assembled by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. from parts acquired from
Smith & Wesson between 1855-1857, per page 31 of “Volcanic Firearms” (2011) by Lewis and Rutter. These 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 repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges, which developed into the
famous Henry rifle and then Winchester’s famous line of lever actions. The octagon section of the barrel is marked “PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854.” on
the left, “SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT.” on top, and “CAST-STEEL” on the right. Features factory floral scroll engraving on the frame, side
plates, and hammer, with antique ivory grips. Post front sight mounted on the barrel, with a notch rear sight mounted on top of the frame.
Matching serial number “53” marked on the left side of the grip frame and handwritten on the interior of both grip panels.
CONDITION: Good, exhibiting some desirable “working gun” character, with characteristic antiqued gray patina, a few patches of minor
pitting, and distinct re-enhanced barrel markings and engraving. Grips are very fine, with highly attractive natural age and tight fitment.
Mechanically functions. A scarce factory engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 pistol with a lot of attractive character.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic
Firearms" by Lewis and
Rutter, approximately 1,200
Smith & Wesson No. 1
pistols were manufactured.
LOT 14
Very Fine Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket
Lever Action Pistol - Serial no. 1319, 31 Volcanic cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver
finish, walnut grips. This Volcanic No. 1 Pocket pistol with extra cost factory engraving and
silver-plated frame was one of approximately 850 No. 1 pistols manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857-1862, 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. 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. 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 frame features classic factory scroll and border engraving and a dovetail mounted notch rear sight. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur.
The matching serial number is stamped on the right side of the lever, left side of the frame beneath the grip, and on the interior of each grip panel.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 50% original blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube with smooth brown patina on the balance, 75% plus original silver plated
finish on the frame with attractive bright golden patina on the balance of the brass, and crisp engraving. Grips are fine with most of the original glossy piano varnish finish, tight fitment,
light handing marks, a few isolated nicks on the lower left, and defined edges. Mechanically functions. This very fine factory engraved New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic No. 1 pistol would
fit well in any antique American arms collection.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 10,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic
Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter,
approximately 850 New Haven
Arms Volcanic No. 1 Pocket
pistols were manufactured.
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