September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
This is an example of a Factory Engraved Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral magazine, brass receiver and finger-hole loading lever. The pistol has a small brass pinch-top front sight on the barrel and dovetail mounted rear sight on the receiver. The hammer and lever are casehardened and the receiver has a natural brass finish. The two-piece walnut grips have a high polish "piano" finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines. The lack of Volcanic markings and the addition of "Patent" before the February 14, 1854 date indicate that the pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company into the New Haven Arms Company in April 1857. Grip screw is a replacement. The top and sides of the receiver and the back strap are engraved with the large, open, scroll work utilized by the New Haven Arms Co., on factory engraved guns. You can see this exact engraving on page 73 in the book on Volcanic firearms by Louis & Rutter. The New Haven Arms Co., produced an estimated total of 850 No. 1 pocket pistols. The Volcanic lever action, integral magazine and self-contained "rocket ball" cartridges represented a significant advance in firearms design. Oliver F. Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company and subsequent controlling interest in the New Haven Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The resplendent brass receiver is a wonderful untouched mustard tone. The open scroll engraving is crisp. The side plate joints are tight and the receiver has minimal handling marks. The barrel legends are sharp. Barrel is a mix of dull gun metal grey patina with some age spotting and one 1/4' spot of roughness on right barrel flat. Hammer has traces of original color. Lever is a dull gun metal grey with light freckling. The grips are in excellent condition retaining the majority of the high gloss finish with wear to edges and slightly shy to metal with no cracks or chips. Strong rifled bore. Lever works and hammer cocks by hand. Overall extremely fine condition.