1047

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

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Factory Engraved New Haven Arms No.1 Volcanic Lever Action Pocket Pistol
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $6500 - 9500
The top of the barrel is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB 14, 1854" indicating that the pistol was manufactured after Volcanic's reorganization in April 1857 and the formation of the New Haven Arms Company. The company was formed to continue production of the former Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. These pistols were produced in 31 caliber and used the same basic frame as the original Volcanic. The frame is engraved with broad floral scroll designs with a simple dot border. The upper side of the frame have a feather pattern and the top of the frame and the back strap have a leaf design. The matching serial number is marked on the left side of the frame under the grip panel and stamped on the inside of each grip panel. The pistol had a blue barrel, casehardened lever and trigger, with a brass frame, pinched blade front and fixed iron rear sights, and is fitted with two-piece smooth varnished walnut grips. Production of these scarce pistols ran from 1857 to 1860 with a total production of about 3,300. 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
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1226
Condition: Good. The metal surfaces have a dark patina with some scattered minor pitting. The brass has a natural aged patina. The grips are poor with a crack running the length of the right panel, a large chip on the right panel, some heavy wear on the lower left panel, a chip on the right toe and heel, and overall a few minor dings. The cartridge follower is a crude period replacement. The correct original barrel markings are very legible, the engraving crisp and the action is fine. A solid example of a factory engraved New Haven Arms No 1 Volcanic lever action pistol.