This is an exceptional example of a No. 1 Volcanic Pocket Pistol that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., in 1857. This diminutive lever-action pistol has a 3 1/2 inch octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine and distinctive brass receiver. The barrel has a pinch-top front sight and a fixed rear sight mounted in a dovetail on the receiver. The legend "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" is roll-stamped in a single line on the top barrel flat. The serial number, "8" is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. The barrel has a high polish blue finish, the hammer and finger-ring lever are color casehardened and the two-piece walnut grips have a high polish varnish finish. The omission of the "VOLCANIC" markings on the barrel indicates that the pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., and reorganized it as the New Haven Arms Co., in April 1857. The New Haven Arms Co. manufactured approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols between 1857 and 1862.

Extremely fine. The pistol is outstanding and retains 75% of the bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel. Most of the fire blue finish is present on the bolt, cartridge carrier and rear sight. The hammer and finger lever have half of the casehardened finish intact. The brass receiver is an attractive untouched aged patina. The side plate joints are excellent and the brass shows only a few, insignificant handling marks. The grips are excellent and retain about 85% of the high polish varnish finish. Wear is limited to some minor finish loss on the heels of each grip and some insignificant handling marks. This is an outstanding example of a scarce and historically significant New Haven Arms Co. No. 1 Pocket Pistol.