Page 50 - 4095-BOOK2

48
LOT 1032
Very Fine New Haven Arms Company
Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Lever Action Pistol
- Serial no. 96, 31 Volcanic cal., 3 1/2 inch
octagon bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut grips. This Volcanic No.1 Pocket pistol was one of
approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between
1857-1862, per “Volcanic Firearms” (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, 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
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 brass frame features has a dovetail mounted notch rear sight. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The serial number is stamped
on the 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 70% plus original high polish blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube with some scattered light spotting on the
balance, highly attractive untouched original golden aged patina on the brass with tight fitting side joints, and
absolutely sharp barrel markings. Grips are also very fine, with most of the original glossy piano varnish finish, a
reattached small section on the bottom left surface, tight fitment, and distinct edges. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 1031
Scarce and Desirable Factory Engraved
Smith & Wesson Small Frame Volcanic No. 1 Lever
Action Pistol - Serial no. B70, 31 Volcanic cal., 4 inch part
octagon bbl., brown/blue finish, walnut 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 upper left, “SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT.” on top, and “CAST-STEEL” on the upper right. Features
factory floral scroll engraving on the frame, side plates, and hammer. Post front sight mounted on the barrel, with a notch rear sight mounted on top of the frame. Serial number “B70”
marked on the left side of the grip frame, with matching number “70” stamped on the interior of both grip panels.
CONDITION: Very good, with an attractive natural aged appearance, retains strong traces of original brown finish on the barrel and magazine tube assembly, strong traces of original high
polish blue finish on the frame concentrated around a few of the protected areas, vivid patterns of original case colors showing on the hammer, with smooth gray patina, spotting, and
crisp markings and engraving. Grips are also very good, with some light handling marks, and tight fitment. Mechanically functions. As an important evolutionary step in the history of
lever action repeating firearms, this scarce factory engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 pistol would make a fine addition to any antique American arms collection.
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic
Firearms" by Lewis and
Rutter, approximately 1,200
Smith & Wesson No. 1
pistols were manufactured.
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic
Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter,
approximately 850 New Haven
Arms Volcanic No. 1 Pocket
pistols were manufactured.