This is an example of a factory engraved Volcanic No.1 Pocket Pistol manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. The New Haven Arms Co. manufactured approximately 850 No. 1 Pistols with 3 1/2-inch barrels between 1857 and 1861. This pistol has a blue octagon barrel and integral magazine, silver plated brass receiver, casehardened hammer and two-piece flat bottom varnished walnut grips. The sides and top of the receiver and back strap are factory engraved with well executed open scrollwork. A steel front sight blade is mounted on the barrel at the muzzle and a fixed rear sight is mounted in a dovetail on the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the legend "NEWHAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14. 1854". The barrel marking is the format utilized by the New Haven Arms Company after it was reorganized from the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., in April 1857 by Oliver Winchester. The serial number, "1307" is stamped on the lower left side of the butt beneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. The Volcanic pistols and rifles are scarce and historically important firearms. The Volcanic lever-action design and integral, spring-loaded magazine were the basis for the successful Henry rifle and Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 Winchester rifles and carbine. The Volcanic "Rocket Ball" cartridge was one of the first commercially produced self contained cartridges. Ownership of stock in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., and subsequent reorganization and ownership of the New Haven Arms Co., introduced shirt maker Oliver Winchester to the firearms business and led to the formation of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., in 1866.

Fine. The pistol retains 30% of the original blue and 70% original silver-plated finish. The barrel has significant amounts of blue finish in protected areas The balance has a silver-gray patina with scattered handling marks and traces of light pitting. The silver-plated receiver has wear on contact points; most of the silver plating is dark and tarnished with age. The case colors on the hammer and lever have aged to a mottled, gray-brown, patina. The grips are in very good overall condition with minor dents and scratches and retain about 50% of the original vanish finish. The barrel markings are sharp and the engraving is crisp and deep. This is a fine, completely original example of a scarce and historically significant factory engraved New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol.