No. 1 Lever Action Pocket pistol ( "Pocket Volcanic") manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, circa 1854-55. Total production of the No.1 lever action repeating pistol is estimated at fewer than 1,400 pistols. The S&W No. 1 Lever Action Repeating pistol is highly significant. It was an important pioneer arm S&W. The lever action and integral magazine introduced on the S&W lever action pistols represented the first iteration of the lever action/integral magazine subsequently incorporated in the successful Henry and Winchester rifles. In addition, the unique "rocket ball" cartridge introduced with the S&W lever action repeating pistols was one of the first self-contained cartridges. This pistol has a part-octagon/part-round barrel with integral magazine, distinctive trigger guard/lever with finger hole and spur and two-piece, bag-shaped rose wood grips. The flat top frame has a small rear sight. A brass, pin, front sight is mounted on the barrel muzzle. The top and sides of the steel frame and the back strap and hammer are factory engraved with open scroll work. The hammer has a knurled spur. The rosewood grips have a varnish finish. The top barrel flat is roll stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." in two lines. "CAST STEEL" is stamped on the right barrel flat and "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854" is stamped on the left flat. The serial number "69" is visible above the lever and is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grip and on the inside of each grip. All of the visible serial numbers match. This rare Smith & Wesson "Volcanic" Pocket Pistol is fresh to the market after having been in a noted collection for over half a century!

Fine. The pistol is all original and retains 60% of the original blue finish overall. The factory scroll engraving and stamped barrel markings are sharp. There are several spots of surface rust on the top and right side of barrel and on the right side plate. The pistol has an untouched, gray-brown, patina with traces of blue finish. The bag-shaped grips are in very good overall condition with traces of the original varnish finish and scattered handling marks. This is a solid example of a scarce and very desirable S&W No. 1 Lever Action Repeating pistol that would be a key piece in any advanced S&W or Winchester collection.