GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
ELABORATELY ENGRAVED VOLCANIC NEW HAVEN ARMS NO. 2 NAVY PISTOL. VOLCANIC ARMS VOLCANIC #2 1317 41 CAL IVORY Cal. 41. Usual configuration with 8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine with full ribs and German silver pin front sight. Fixed rear sight is in the dovetail on top flat of frame. Mounted with fine American eagle carved ivory 2-pc grips each numbered 1317 matching frame SN of this pistol. Top flat of bbl has the 3-line Volcanic Arms company name, New Haven address and "PATENT FEB. 14 1854". The silver plated gun metal (bronze) frame and side plates are elaborately engraved with fine detailed floral scrolls much more elaborate than seen in standard Volcanic engraving. This engraving is closer to the style of the earliest factory engraved Henry rifles given to such dignitaries as Abraham Lincoln and Gideon Wells, Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy. Engraving style truly appears to be in the style of L.D. Nimschke and is quite likely his product for a special presentation. Serial number is found on the right side of butt strap, under the grip, inside each grip and right side of lever (1217). No additional disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, there were only about 1,500 of these pistols produced during the period 1855-1857. Although these pistols had a short production life their place in history is well documented as being one of the close predecessors of the venerable Henry Model 1860 lever action rifle which ultimately evolved into the Winchester dynasty. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, all matching but lever as noted is numbered 1217 but apparently is a manufacturing number error as patina and wear match balance of gun. Bbl & magazine retain thin traces of orig finish with balance plum/gray with staining and pitting especially on front rotating section. Frame & side plates retain traces of orig silver plating turned black, with the exposed gun metal a dark mustard patina; frame & side plates show sharp edges with slight edge wear. "Certifiable antique elephant ivory" right grip has a small hairline at rear toe and around escutcheon, the carved "certifiable antique elephant ivory" left grip has identical craquelure on butt with light wear to high edges of the finely carved drooped wing eagle with head folded around a patriotic American shield, grips retain a light ivory patina. Mechanics are fine with a bright crisp bore. 50506-29 JS (25,000-40,000)