Page 32 - 4096-BOOK2

LOT 1020
Scarce and Desirable Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Small Frame Volcanic
No. 1 Lever Action Pistol - Serial no. C48, 31 Volcanic cal., 4 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue
finish, rosewood grips. The Smith & Wesson Volcanic pistols are historically significant and key pieces for both Smith
& Wesson and Winchester collectors as they marked Smith and Wesson’s first joint business venture and represent a critical
point in the evolution of lever action repeating firearms which through a series of improvements evolved into the New
Haven Arms Co.’s Henry rifle and then Winchester’s famous line of lever actions. This very scarce early repeating pistol is one
of approximately 1,200 No. 1 Volcanic pistols manufactured. Of those, around 700, including this one, were manufactured by
Smith & Wesson between 1854-1855, and the remaining pistols were assembled by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. in 1855-1857
from parts acquired from Smith & Wesson per page 31 of “Volcanic Firearms” by Lewis and Rutter. 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. Factory floral scroll engraving
adorns the frame, side plates, and hammer. The pistol has a post front sight, notch rear sight, loop lever without spur, and varnished rosewood
grips. The serial number “C48” is marked on the left side of the grip frame, and the matching number “48” is stamped on the interior of both grip panels.
CONDITION: Very good plus with 25% original blue finish mostly concentrated on the right side plate and protected areas of the barrel, attractive gray and brown
patina on the balance, crisp engraving, minor oxidation, divots on the elevator, and some marks and scratches. The grips are also fine and have most of the original
varnish and minor scratches and handling wear. Mechanically functions. This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive Smith & Wesson Volcanic!
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by
Lewis and Rutter, approximately 850 Volcanic New Haven No. 1 Pocket
Pistols were produced.
Collector’s Fact
According to "Volcanic Firearms:
Predecessor to the Winchester
Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter,
approximately 1200 Smith &
Wesson Small Frame Repeating
Pistols were produced.
LOT 1021
Very Fine Factory Engraved
New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic
No. 1 Pocket Lever Action
Pistol - Serial no. 475, 31 Volcanic
cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips. Only approximately 850 of
these New Haven Arms Co. No. 1 Pocket pistols were produced in 1857-1862 per page 73 of
“Volcanic Firearms” by Lewis and Rutter. At that time, this pistol would have cost $13.50 compared to $12.00 for the plain
version. Their production was halted when the New Haven Arms Co. shifted their focus to the legendary Henry repeater, and these pistols
are part of the historic evolution in lever action designs that led to the Henry and the establishment of the legendary Winchester Repeating
Arms Co. The pistol features a pinched blade front sight, “NEWHAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14 1854” marked on top of the barrel, scroll and border
engraving and silver plating on the frame, dovetailed notch rear sight, “475” on the left side of the frame at the butt, and “75” on the inside of the grips.
CONDITION: Fine with 70% original silver plating remaining, attractive aged patina on the silver and brass, the blue finish on the barrel and magazine aged to a smooth brown,
the majority of the bright original niter blue remaining on protected areas of the bolt and elevator, dark brown patina on the lever, hammer, and trigger; and fairly minor overall wear.
The grips are also fine with most of the original high gloss varnish finish remaining, minor edge wear, and
light scratches. Mechanically functions. This is certainly a
very attractive example of the iconic and historic Volcanic
repeating pistol!
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
30