3014

Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No.1 Lever-Action Pocket Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No.1 Lever-Action Pocket Pistol
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Estimate: $7500 - 12000
This Volcanic No. 1 Lever-Action pistol was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company between 1857 and 1862. Total production of the No. 1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol is estimated to be 850 pistols. The pistol has a blue octagon barrel with integral six shot magazine. The brass frame has a dovetail mounted iron rear sight and is decorated with large, open scroll pattern factory engraving. The pistol has a distinctive loading lever with round finger hole and two-piece flat base varnished walnut or rosewood grips. The loading lever and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14.1854" in two lines. These markings were utilized by the newly formed New Haven Arms Company after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in April 1857. The serial number, "766" is stamped on the lower left side of the frame underneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. The Volcanic pistols and carbines are extremely important firearms. They were some of the first successful repeating arms to utilize a self-contained cartridge and served as the basic design for the Henry and early Winchester lever action rifles.
BBL: 3 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 31 Volcanic
Finish: blue/brass
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 766
Condition: Good. The blue finish on the barrel/magazine has aged to a silver-gray patina. There are traces of pitting on the muzzle and sides of the barrel. The barrel legend is clear. The hammer and loading lever retain traces of the dove-gray casehardened pattern. The brass frame has a mellow patina and the engraving is fine. The side plate joints are tight. Wear is limited to some minor handling marks. The revarnished grips are good with moderate handling wear. This is a solid example of a scarce New Haven Arms Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action pistol with factory engraving.