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LOT 3043
Scarce and Desirable Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Small Frame Volcanic No. 1 Lever
Action Pistol - Serial no. E15, 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 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. Post front sight mounted on the barrel, with a notch rear sight mounted on top of the frame.
Serial number “E15” marked on the left side of the grip frame, with matching number “15” 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, with smooth gray and brown patina, some minor surface pitting, and distinct engraving. Grips are fine, with some light dents
and scratches, and tight fitment. Mechanically functions. This scarce factory engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 pistol serves as an
important evolutionary step in the history of lever action repeating firearms!
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3042
Scarce Well-
Documented
New Haven Arms
Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Lever Action
Pistol - Serial no. 2002, 41 Volcanic cal., 6 inch
octagon bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips. This is one of only an estimated 300 Volcanic No. 2
Navy pocket pistols manufactured with 6 inch barrels by the New Haven Arms Company in New Haven,
Connecticut c. 1857-1862, per page 78 of “Volcanic Firearms” (2011) by Lewis and Rutter. This exact pistol is
pictured on page 105 of “Evolution of the Winchester” (1985) by R. Bruce McDowell. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped
with the legend “PATENT FEB. 14. 1854/NEW HAVEN CONN.” The lack of Volcanic markings and the addition of “PATENT” before the
February 14, 1854, date indicates that the pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating
Arms Company into the New Haven Arms Company in April 1857. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the frame
beneath the grip and on the interior of each grip panel. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral magazine, silver plated brass frame,
lever with finger hole, a small pinched blade front sight, and dovetail mounted notch rear sight on the receiver.
CONDITION: Fine, with a fresh “as found” appearance, retains 30% original blue finish on the barrel with brown patina on the balance, a few patches of minor pitting, and 60% original
silver plated finish with bright golden aged patina on the exposed balance of the brass. Grips are very good, with a horizontal crack on the right panel, scratches, a few nicks, and much
of the original glossy varnish finish. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Bobby Smith Collection; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 14,000
As pictured & described in Evolution of
the Winchester by McDowell
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 300 New
Havens Arms Volcanic No. 2
Navy pistols with 6 inch barrels
were manufactured.