GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
ENGRAVED EARLY NEW HAVEN VOLCANIC NO 1 LEVER ACTION PISTOL. NEW HAVEN NO 1 VOLCANIC 281 31 IVORY Cal. 31. Blue & gold with 3-3/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine & pinched post front sight with fixed rear sight & top flat of frame. Top flat of bbl has the 1-line New Haven address & patent date. Mounted with 2-pc smooth ivory grips. Frame is gold plated & after market engraved in early foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Matching engraving extends over top flat, backstrap, buttstrap & bottom of frame. SN is found on left side of buttstrap under the grip. No additional disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers. Engraving is of very high quality undoubtedly by a master engraver of considerable skill. There are about 850 of these little pistols produced 1857-1860 under the ownership of Oliver Winchester who had, in 1855 purchased the patent rights from Smith & Wesson. This design evolved into the very successful Model 1860 Henry rifle which, after the Civil War, then became the Model 1866 which was the beginning of the Winchester dynasty. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine retain about 90% of a thin restored finish with some fine pitting on left side of loading sleeve. Frame & side plates retain sharp edges & overall shows just a couple of small nicks & retain virtually all of their bright gold finish. "Certifiable antique elephant ivory" grips have a repaired crack on each side internally, otherwise are fine with a beautiful golden ivory patina. Timing spring is a little weak, otherwise mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 50143-2 JR175 (3,000-5,000)