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LOT 1033
Finely Engraved, Silver-Plated, Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Lever Action Navy
Pistol with Ivory Grips - Serial no. 910, 41 Volcanic cal., 6 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver-plated
finish, antique ivory grips. This is one of approximately 1,200 “Holster Model” No. 2 Navy pistols with 6
inch barrels manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1855-1857, prior to when the company
was forced to declare bankruptcy and was subsequently reorganized by Oliver Winchester as the New Haven Arms Company in 1857, per
“Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5K-007). This Lever Action Navy pistol was engraved by a master engraver of undetermined origin. The pistol
has a six-inch, .41 caliber, blued, octagon barrel with integral magazine, silver-plated brass receiver, and distinctive finger hole lever. The barrel
has a brass pin front sight; a dovetail mounted rear sight is located on the receiver. The pistol has two-piece, period replaced antique ivory grips.
The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend “THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEW HAVEN CONN. FEB.14. 1854” in three lines.
The serial number is stamped on the left side of the frame underneath the grips and on the right side of the finger lever (there is also the number
“90” which is overstruck with two horizontal “00”s). The silver-plated brass receiver is decorated with deluxe Germanic scroll engraving on a punch dot
background with floral designs surrounding the lever and the hammer. Oval inscription panels are located on the center of both side plates. The highly
detailed, impeccably executed engraving covers the sides and top of the frame, both side plates and the upper portion of the back strap. The style of the
engraving is very similar to the engraving on the early presentation Henry rifles.
CONDITION: Fine as impeccably period embellished. The barrel is very good with a plum brown patina, considerable original blue finish in protected
areas, and a few minor dents on the edges. The receiver and side plates retain 30% of the silver plated finish in protected areas. The engraving remains
deep and sharp, along with clear markings on the barrel. The sides of the hammer and lever shows traces of the original casehardened finish. The ivory
grips are very good overall with scattered hair-line age cracks. There is a small chip on the heel of the right grip. Mechanically functions. This is a fine
example of an attractively engraved, Volcanic Lever
Action Navy pistol.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
According to "Flayderman's Guide",
approximately 1,200 Volcanic Repeating Arms
Co. "Holster Model" No. 2 Navy pistols with
6 inch barrels were manufactured.
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