Smith & Wesson of Norwich, Connecticut manufactured approximately 500 of these .41 caliber large frame No.2 Volcanic pistols with a 6 inch barrel from 1854-1855, based on a patent of Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, prior to the subsequent renaming of the company to Volcanic Repeating Arms in 1855 which then was sold to Oliver Winchester, reorganized as New Haven Arms Company in 1857, which would ultimately become the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. Horace Smith & Daniel Wesson would continue to pursue their own development of revolvers starting around 1856, and the rest is history. Surviving examples of these early Smith & Wesson Volcanics are scarce and extremely desirable in any condition, as part of the beginning of the development of lever action repeaters which would evolve into the Henry and Winchester 1866 rifles, and they also mark the very beginning of Smith & Wesson. This factory engraved, early production large frame No. 2 Volcanic lever action pistol has the rarely encountered six inch barrel, whereas they are typically seen with 8 inch barrels. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT/CAST-STEEL/PATENT." The top of the frame has a screw-fastened notch rear sight. The hammer has fine hand-knurling on the spur. The receiver sides, top, backstrap, sideplates, and back of the hammer are decorated with the well-executed, open scroll engraving that was standard on S&W Volcanic pistols. The serial number "38" appears on the grip frame and in pencil on the back of both grip panels. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Good with the metal surfaces displaying an authentic appearance of a well-traveled 19th century handgun. The original barrel legend is distinct, and the engraving is crisp. The refinished grips are also good with numerous scattered dings and high edge wear. Mechanically fine. A rare, highly prized 6 inch S&W Volcanic pistol missing from even the most advanced collections.