This is an example of a Lever Action Pistol-Carbine that was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company circa 1856. The pistol carbine has a .41 caliber octagon barrel with integral magazine and is fitted with a non-factory period made detachable silver plated wire replacement stock. The barrel/magazine is blue, the brass receiver is silver plated and the hammer and lever are color casehardened. The carbine has two-piece flat base rosewood grips. The barrel has a brass front sight blade. A period non-factory replacement folding leaf rear sight that is mounted in the receiver dovetail. The wire stock is attached to a single hole in the back strap and secured by a flat base screw on the bottom of the grip strap. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./NEWHAVEN CONN/PATENT FEB.14.1854" in four lines. The serial number, "8" is stamped on the left side of the grip strap beneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. This pistol is illustrated and described on page 60 of "VOLCANIC FIREARMS" by Lewis and Rutter. The Volcanic Repeating Arms lever-action pistols and carbines were a key step in the development of American firearms. The combinations of a lever action with integral multi-shot magazine and self-contained cartridge were a revolutionary development. Partial ownership of Volcanic Repeating Arms introduced shirt-maker Oliver Winchester to firearms manufacturing and the evolution of the Volcanic lever action and integral magazine led to the development of the Henry rifle and the Subsequent Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 Winchester rifles.

Very good as partially refurbished. The barrel finish is fading to a crisp blue-brown patina and has several scattered patches of light pitting and age discoloration. The barrel edges are sharp. The partially replated receiver has 70% of the original silver-plated finish on the balance with light-moderate wear on contact points. The lower front grip strap has been rewelded near the mainspring screw. Most of the mottled, dove-gray case colors are present on the hammer and lever. Wire stock retains most of the silver-plated finish. Both grips have extensive reglued repairs and have been refinished overall. The barrel markings are light but legible. This is a unique representative example of a Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., Pistol-Carbine with unusual well-made period wire stock.