1175C

SCARCE NEW HAVEN ARMS NO. 1 VOLCANIC POCKET PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,250.00 USD Estimated At:12,500.00 - 17,500.00 USD
SCARCE NEW HAVEN ARMS NO. 1 VOLCANIC POCKET PISTOL.
SN 1967. Cal. 31. Usual configuration with 3-1/2" oct bbl that has integral magazine and pinched post front sight with fixed rear sight in the top flat of the frame. Bbl marking is in 1-line "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB 14, 1854". Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. SN is found on the left side of the butt strap under the wood. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. According to Flayderman's Guide To Antique American Firearms there were only 850 of these rare pistols produced 1857-1860. The self-contained cartridge for this pistol was severely underpowered and therefore the pistol met with limited success in the buying public. The design of this pistol originated with Horace Smith & Daniel B. Wesson who produced about 1,700 pistols under their name before changing to the "Volcanic Repeating Arms Co." in 1855. The company was purchased by Oliver Winchester in 1857. The design was later incorporated into the Model 1860 Henry rifle which then evolved into the Winchester 1866, and as they say "the rest is history". CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 20-25% purply/blue with flakes of bright blue mixed with blue/brown patina; bbl, frame & side plates retain crisp, sharp edges with the frame and side plates retaining a wonderful coffee colored patina; hammer retains dark case colors and the lever is a dark patina. Grips are sound with high point wear, a couple of small nicks and overall retain most of their strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, may be unfired. 4-47824 JR295