The various "Volcanic" pistols and carbines manufactured by Smith & Wesson, then Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., and then followed by the New Haven Arms Co. are historic firearms that represent incremental steps in the evolution of American lever action firearms and ultimately led to the innovative Henry lever action rifle and the Winchester rifles that followed. Production of these firearms connected a whole host of influential figures in 19th century American firearms history, most famously Oliver Winchester, whose investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in 1855 led to the creation of the New Haven Arms Co. and then the establishment of the historic Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Only around 600 of these Large Frame 6-inch "Belt Model" Navy pistols were manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. in 1855-1857. The pistol has the distinctive "brass" (gunmetal) frame, a 6 inch octagon barrel, integral magazine, and loading lever with finger hole. The barrel has a "pinched" blade front sight. A fixed notch rear sight is mounted in a dovetail near the back of the frame. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the lightly stamped legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854." in three lines. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, the left side of the frame underneath the grip, and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Very fine with 80% original blue finish remaining on the barrel and magazine, loose front sight, polished frame which is regaining aged patina and has minor marks and scratches, most of the niter blue finish remaining on the smaller parts, over half of the fading original case colors remaining on the hammer, and spots of minor oxidation. The lever will not fully cock the hammer, but it is otherwise mechanically fine. The grips are also very fine and have mild lower edge wear, minor dings and scratches, and