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LOT 3024
Exceptional Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Small Frame Volcanic No.1
Lever Action Repeating Pistol - Serial no. 356, 31 Volcanic cal., 4 inch part
octagon bbl., blue finish, rosewood 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. Predecessor to the more frequently
encountered brass frame “Volcanic”, this is a rare example of the 4 inch .31 caliber
“lever action magazine pistol” manufactured by Smith & Wesson. The company
would be reorganized a year later, 1855, as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company
and the rest is history. Smith & Wesson focused their efforts to design and produce
a pistol that could fire the self contained metallic cartridge using Rollin White’s
bored through cylinder, while the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company would be
subsequently reorganized as the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. This pistol
features the distinctive “Type II” features which include a crowned muzzle and
rounded magazine locking spring. Post front sight mounted on the barrel, with a
notch rear sight mounted on top of the frame. The two-line parallel barrel address
“SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT.” is marked on the top barrel flat. The left flat is
marked with the patent information in two lines
“PATENT/FEB. 14 1854”. The right flat is stamped “CAST-
STEEL” upside down. The frame, side plates, hammer,
and rear grip strap feature factory engraving consisting
of open scroll and vine motifs. The serial number is
stamped on the right side of the ring trigger lever and
on the ring trigger lever link. Complete with “bag” style
varnished wood grips.
CONDITION: Very fine. 50% plus original blue finish remains on the
barrel with some thinning at the muzzle and along the high edges. All markings
are crisp and clear. The crisp frame has an even age darkened brown patina.
The side plates are flush with the frame. The engraving is clear. The grips are also
very fine showing some pressure marks. The edges of the wood fit beautifully.
Mechanically functions. Overall a very fine, untouched, original Smith & Wesson
Lever Action No.1 repeating Pistol.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic
Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter,
approximately 1,200 Smith &
Wesson No. 1 pistols
were manufactured.
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