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Excellent Scarce Factory Engraved, Factory Silver Plated, New Haven Arms No. 1 Volcanic Pocket Pisto

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 27,500.00 USD
Excellent Scarce Factory Engraved, Factory Silver Plated, New Haven Arms No. 1 Volcanic Pocket Pisto

Estimate: $18000 - 27500
This is a truly rare No. 1 or "pocket model" Volcanic pistol that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company successor to the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. New Haven Arms manufactured Volcanic firearms from 1851 until 1860 when the company was reorganized again, this time as the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It is believed that fewer than 850 of these No.1 pistols with 3 1/2 inch barrels were manufactured from 1857 until 1860. Because so few were produced, very few survived, making these pistols extremely desirable in any condition. These pistols retailed for $12.00 at the time of production with an added expense of $1.50 for engraving or plating, this pistol having both! This example features the standard fixed front and rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB 14.1854". The pistol has a high polish blue finish on the octagon barrel. The loading lever is blue. The hammer and trigger are casehardened. The frame, cartridge elevator, grip strap, cartridge follower, and even the screw head in the grips are all beautifully silver plated. The pistol is factory engraved on the frame and grip strap. Each side of the frame features the "typical" Volcanic large open scrollwork. The top of the frame and back strap have a matching floral design. The two-piece flat-bottom walnut grips have a high gloss finish. The serial number "737" is stamped on the inside of the left grip stock and again on the left side of the grip strap.
BBL: 3 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 31 Volcanic
Finish: blue/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 737
Condition: Excellent. 75% plus strong original high polish blue finish remains on the barrel slightly thinning along high edges and showing only minor handling marks and some isolated spotting. The address and patent dates are crisp, sharp, and clear. The frame and grip retain a strong 85% plus original silver plating with hints of brass on exposed edges and high points. Isolated areas on the grip strap and frame have taken on a beautifully age darkened silver patina. The cartridge elevator and follower retain much of their original silver plated finish. The hammer and trigger still show flashes of original case colors. The grips are very fine with only a few storage type pressure marks. Overall an outstanding example of a rare, highly desirable Volcanic pistol in truly spectacular condition.
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