This Volcanic No. 1 Pocket pistol with extra cost factory engraving and silver-plated frame was one of approximately 850 No. 1 pistols manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857-1862, per "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, page 73. At that time, this pistol would have cost $13.50 compared to $12.00 for the plain version, an inexpensive upgrade at the time that has made this particular pistol especially valuable today. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. This pistol has the distinctive octagonal barrel with integral magazine, "pinched" blade front sight fitted at the muzzle, and "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines on top. The silver plated frame features classic factory scroll and border engraving and a dovetail mounted notch rear sight. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The matching serial number is stamped on the right side of the lever, left side of the frame beneath the grip, and on the interior of each grip panel. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection