This high condition Volcanic Navy pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company circa 1857. The Volcanic pistols and carbines are historic firearms that represent a major step in the evolution of American firearms. The combination of internal, spring loaded, magazine, lever action and self-contained, primed cartridges were revolutionary features in 1857. The Volcanic action, when combined with reliable metallic cartridges, was the basis for the Henry rifle and Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in 1855 ultimately led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Offered here is a truly stunning example to the legacy of mid-19th century American firearms design. The pistol has the distinctive brass frame with 8 inch octagon barrel, integral ten shot magazine, and loading lever with finger hole. Only around 1,500 of this model with the 8 inch barrel were manufactured. The barrel has a thin silver cone front sight. A simple fixed notch rear sight is mounted in a dovetail on the frame. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854." The matching 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. The barrel and magazine have a high polish blue finish, and the hammer and trigger are color casehardened. The rear sight, cartridge elevator, lever, bolt, trigger spring and interior components have a fire blue finish. The two piece grips are nicely figured walnut with a piano finish.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and a few scratches. The barrel legend is crisp. The exceptionally fine brass has a very pleasing, highly attractive mellow aged appearance. The frame has tight fitting side plates. Generous traces of original blue remain on the lever. Each grip panel has small chip at the top, otherwise the grips are fine with minor scratches and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. A stellar example of a Volcanic Repeating Arms Lever Action Navy pistol worthy of the finest private or public collection. These Volcanic pistols are rarely encountered in such high condition!