The various iterations of Volcanic firearms each represent an important step in the development of American lever action firearms history. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines combined with improvements in self-contained metallic cartridges served as the basic design for the New Haven Arms Co. Henry rifle. Oliver Winchester invested in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. which became the New Haven Arms Co. and eventually led to his establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. which produced the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles based on largely the same designs as the Henry. The engraving on this pistol is the classic style found on New Haven Arms Co. pistols and rifles, and this example also has a tremendous amount of original finish. The pistol has the distinctive blued octagon barrel with integral magazine, "gunmetal" frame with scroll, border, and floral engraving, blued round finger hole lever, and varnished flat bottom walnut grips. The pistol is fitted with a pinched blade front sight threaded on the barrel and a dovetail mounted notch rear sight at the rear of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two-lines. The deletion of "VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Co. on May 1, 1857. The matching serial number is stamped on the left side of the grip frame and back of each grip.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine retain 80% of the bright original blue finish, distinct markings on top, and some spots worn bright from aggressive cleaning on the left and upper left side. The frame display attractive aged patina and has crisp engraving. The rear sight, breechblock, bolt, and some of the small components retain considerable original finish. The lever retains 40% original blue finish and has smooth gray patina on the balance. The trigger and hammer retain most of their original case colors. Aside from the cleaning, wear is very minor overall. The grips are very fine aside from couple of chips on the lower left and have the vast majority of the original finish remaining, light scratches and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. This is a stunning pistol. Very few of these pistols retain any notable amount of finish, and this pistol has a ton!