Offered here is one of approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols manufactured between 1857 and 1862. This pistol has the distinctive octagonal barrel with integral magazine, "pinched" blade front sight fitted at the muzzle, and "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines on top, and classic factory scroll and border engraving on the frame. The matching serial number is marked on the grip frame and both grip panels. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine overall with period retailer plated barrel and magazine tube and retaining much of the plating, the fine brass has an attractive mellow appearance, crisp engraving, grips with high edge wear and chipped toe. Mechanically functions fine, although lever is slightly loose.