This Volcanic lever action carbine was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1856. These carbines are, as noted by Lewis and Rutter in "Volcanic Firearms," "an extreme rarity" (page 62). The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. existed for only 19 months and its short existence meant there was little time and resources for the production of carbines. The carbine has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral magazine and brass frame and buttplate. The barrel has a cone front sight. The top barrel flat is roll stamped with the three-line legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEW HAVEN. CONN. FEB.14. 1854." The address is lightly struck as frequently encountered on Volcanic Repeating Arms barrels. The receiver has a dovetail mounted rear sight with elevation wheel and is factory engraved. The typical factory engraving consists mostly of open scrollwork with kidney patterns at the rear and leaf patterns on the chamber and around the hammer. The scrollwork extends to the upper tang and buttplate tang. The hammer spur is hand-knurled. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the lever, the left side of the lower tang, The assembly number "88" is marked on the right side of the lower tang, butt of the stock, buttplate, buttplate screws, and receiver tang screws. The letter "Y" is marked on the left side of the lever. Volcanic arms have a significant place in the development of American firearms. The combination of a self-contained cartridge, integral, multi-shot magazine and self-cocking lever action made Volcanic pistols and carbines the most advanced firearms of their day. The key features of the Volcanic pistols and carbines were refined and incorporated in the Henry rifle and Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles and carbines. Finally, shirt maker Oliver Winchester's investment in Volcanic Repeating Arms introduced him to the firearms business. Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue finish. The hammer and lever have aged to a dark patina. The exceptional brass has an attractive appearance with strong traces of gilt. The engraving is crisp. Unmarred screws. The receiver has tight fitting sideplates. The stock is very fine with a couple tiny chips at the upper tang, a crack along the grain behind the lower tang, and minor dings and scratches with most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically fine. A rare factory engraved Volcanic lever action carbine missing from even the most advanced collections. No lever action collection can be considered complete without a Volcanic carbine!