May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
After forming an informal partnership in 1852, Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson received patents in 1854 for a toggle link repeating magazine firearm and an improved version of the self contained cartridge, and thus what would be known as the Volcanic pistol was created. Smith & Wesson only produced the pistols through 1855 when the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. was incorporated under the leadership of Nelson Gaston and Oliver Winchester. Further refinement of the design over the next decade saw the creation of the Henry rifle and later the iconic Winchester 1866. This extremely important, very early production Smith & Wesson repeating pistol is numbered "2" and marks an important step in the early development of lever action repeating arms as well as Smith and Wesson's partnership. The Volcanic pistols were the first arms produced by the partnership, the first of their iconic revolvers introduced in 1857. Smith & Wesson produced fewer than 500 of these large frame pistols at their facility in Norwich, Connecticut. Total production of all variations was around 1700. The 8" octagon to round barrel is marked near the breech with a scarce inverted "V' style address, reading "SMITH & WESSON NORWICH, CT." in an inverted "V" over "PATENT / CAST-STEEL". The barrel address from this pistol, as well as a full shot of the gun are pictured on page 29 of "Volcanic Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter. Barrel is fitted with a small blade front sight, which also doubles as a guide for the muzzle collar loading gate. Rear sight is a fixed "V" notch and is marked "2". Type 1 uncrowned muzzle. Small, clamshell style follower. Iron receiver is factory engraved with open flowing foliate scroll and leaf patterns. Frame has the appropriate flared base characteristic of these early large frame Smith & Wessons. Fitted with replacement smooth oil finished grips of excellent figure, each stamped internally with a "2". CONDITION: Very Good overall. Pistol displays a pleasant overall plum brown patina, a coat of finish added some time ago. Markings remain strong and legible, the engraving crisp. Grips are very fine some added oil and a few minor handling marks. Bore is especially fine and crisp, showing little if any use. Fine mechanics. An overall attractive and historic early Volcanic representing an important step in the development of the modern repeating firearm.
Caliber/Bore
.41 Rocket Ball
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Model
Large Frame Volcanic Pistol