3302

Spectacular Engraved New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic Lever-Action No. 2 Navy Pistol with Relief-Carved

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Spectacular Engraved New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic Lever-Action No. 2 Navy Pistol with Relief-Carved
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $25000 - 45000
This is an attractive example of a Volcanic lever action No. 2 Navy pistol that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., between 1857 and 1860. The engraving on this volcanic is not a factory pattern, however, mirrors the pattern and quality of one of the most recognized and famous firearms in the world, the Lincoln Presentation Henry Rifle which now resides in the Smithsonian Museum. The engraving is done by the hand of a master and certainly is in the Nimschke style. Whether or not it was done by Nimschke himself has not been determined, but it is certainly of his quality and technique. The sides and top of the brass receiver are fully covered with deluxe scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The tight, intricately detailed scrollwork extends to the back strap and butt with a small scrollwork flourish on the underside of the receiver below the cartridge elevator. Both side plates have oval inscription panels with relief engraved borders. The pistol has an octagon barrel with integral, spring-loaded, magazine, brass frame and loading lever with round finger hole. The barrel has a brass cone front sight. A fixed, iron rear sight is mounted in the receiver dovetail. The pistol has two-piece ivory grips; the left grip masterfully relief carved with an oval Mexican Eagle and Serpent motif. The top barrel flat is roll stamped: "PATENT FEB. 14. 1854/NEW HAVEN CONN." in two lines. These abbreviated markings were introduced after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., as the New Haven Arms Co., in April 1857. The serial number "2123" is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, the right side of the frame underneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 8 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 41 Volcanic
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory carved
Serial Number: 2123
Condition: Very fine. The barrel and magazine have strong traces of original blue with the balance an even brown patina. The surfaces of the barrel and magazine are generally smooth with sharp edges and crisp barrel markings. Wear is limited to some scattered and very minor handling marks. The brass receiver has a very attractive, mellow patina. The receiver is in fine condition with minimal handling marks and tight side plate joints. The intricate scrollwork on the receiver is crisp and deep. The hammer and loading lever have a mottled gray-brown patina. The ivory grips are very fine plus. The highly detailed, relief carved Mexican Eagle and Serpent motif is sharp with minimal handling wear. The ivory is lightly yellowed from age. Wear is limited to one tiny chip on the back edge of the left grip, some minor shrinkage on the right grip at the back strap and and several very insignificant age cracks on the bottom of the grips. This is an attractive example of an engraved Volcanic No. 2 Navy pistol with, relief carved ivory grips.