1175E

SCARCE VOLCANIC ARMS NAVY LEVER ACTION PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
SCARCE VOLCANIC ARMS NAVY LEVER ACTION PISTOL.
SN 2445. Cal. 41. Usual configuration with 6" oct bbl that has integral magazine and full side ribs, brass pin front sight and fixed rear sight in the top flat of receiver. Top flat of bbl has crisp three line Volcanic Arms address and patent date. Mounted with smooth, varnished two piece walnut grips matching numbered to the pistol. Serial number was observed on the right side of the butt strap, under the grip, inside each grip, inside each side plate, on the lever, both links and twice on the firing pin. No additional disassembly was checked for additional matching numbers. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 1200 of these rare pistols produced in the period 1855-1857 making it one of the more rare and desirable volcanic pistols. These pistols, with their self-contained cartridge had limited success with the buying public and were short lived on the market, and in 1857 became the New Haven Arms Co. In about 1860 this design morphed into the Henry rifle which was purchased by Oliver Winchester, ultimately becoming the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Accompanied by a 3-page letter from renowned Winchester authority and author, George Madis, wherein he describes and authenticates this pistol. PROVENANCE: Barnes Family Collection. CONDITION: Fine plus, all matching; bbl and mag tube retain a fine, smooth blue-brown patina with traces of strong blue in the most sheltered areas; frame and side plates show light sharp edge wear with some light dings on the front side flats and overall retain a wonderful dark mustard patina; hammer retains smoky case colors and lever a gray metal patina; grips show light battering on the bottom edges with a chipped left heel and overall retain about 90% original varnish; mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with a few small spots of pitting. 4-47616 JR205