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LOT 45
Exceptional Volcanic Arms Co. Lever Action Carbine - Serial no. 2986, 41 Volcanic cal., 16 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/
brass finish, walnut stock. This is an outstanding example of an all original carbine that was manufactured by the Volcanic
Repeating Arms Company circa 1856. This late production carbine is numbered “2986” on the left side of the lower tang
indicating it was at the very end of the standard production range sometime in late 1855 to early 1856. It is rare to find
these Volcanic carbines in this super high condition, and it would certainly be a centerpiece of any high end repeating
rifle collection. It is chambered for the .41 caliber Volcanic cartridge with integral magazine. The barrel/magazine is blue, the
receiver and side plates are all original brass, and the hammer and lever are color casehardened. The carbine has beautiful a walnut stock
with the high grade, hand rubbed varnish. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade front sight, and a nitre blued adjustable rear sight is
mounted on top of the receiver. The top barrel flat is roll-marked in four lines: “THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./NEWHAVEN CONN/
PATENT FEB.14.1854”. The Volcanic Repeating Arms lever action carbines were a key step in the development of American firearms. The
combinations of a lever action with integral multi-shot magazine and self-contained cartridge were a revolutionary development. Partial
ownership of Volcanic Repeating Arms introduced shirt-maker Oliver Winchester to firearms manufacturing, and the evolution of the
Volcanic lever action and integral magazine led to the development of the Henry rifle and the subsequent Model 1866, 1873, and 1876
Winchester rifles.
CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus of the original blue finish still remaining on the barrel with the balance a slightly thinning gray/
brown patina. The receiver, side plates and buttplate all retain their original mustard yellow patina having aged correctly with the side
plates still having never been removed. The hammer and lever retain 60% of its case colors. The breech bolt, cartridge elevator and rear
sight retain 85% of their nitre blued finish. The walnut stock is also excellent and retains 95% plus of the original varnish finish overall
showing some minor handling marks on both sides, with a heavier pressure dent on the left side of the stock. The screw heads in the
action as well as the wood screws holding the buttstock and buttplate in place all retain 95% of their factory nitre blued finish with all the
screw heads in excellent condition. This is an extremely high condition, late production Volcanic carbine.
Estimate: 45,000 - 75,000
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