This is an exceptional example of a Lever Action Navy pistol with an 8 inch barrel that was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., circa 1857. The pistol has the distinctive, brass frame, octagon barrel with integral magazine and loading lever with finger hole which identify Volcanic pistols and carbines. The pistol has a brass pin front sight, and receiver mounted rear sight. The two-piece, flat based, walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The barrel/magazine is blued and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the three line legend "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB 14. 1854". The legend identifies the pistol as a product of the Volcanic Arms Co., prior to the reorganization of the firm in April 1857 as the New Haven Arms Co., by the principal stockholder Oliver Winchester. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver butt beneath the grips, on the inside of both grips and on the right side of the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Volcanic pistols and carbines were revolutionary firearms. The combination of an integral, spring loaded magazine, self cocking lever action and self contained, internally primed, "rocket-ball" cartridge represented a dramatic advance in firearm design. Investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., introduced shirt maker Oliver Winchester to the firearms industry. Although the Volcanic carbines and pistols were not a commercial success, the basic design, when combined with a more powerful and reliable brass cartridge was the basis for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 rifles and carbines. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Excellent. This pistol is all original and shows only very minimal storage wear. The barrel/magazine retains 90% plus of the original blue finish. Wear is limited to some scattered patches of surface oxidation and some edge wear on barrel high points. The Volcanic legend is crisp. The brass receiver has an excellent, untouched, attractive patina. The side-plate joints are tight with no disassembly marks. The hammer retains 90% of the original subdued case colors. The grips are excellent and retain 95% plus of the original varnish finish. Wear is limited to some finish loss on the edges of the butt and a few, very minor, handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding example of a Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., Navy pistol that would be difficult to improve upon. This outstanding pistol would be a key piece in the most advanced collection of Winchester rifles or 19th Century American firearms.