This is an example of a Factory Engraved Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral magazine, brass receiver and finger-hole loading lever. The pistol has a small brass pinch-top front sight on the barrel and dove-tail mounted rear sight on the receiver. The hammer and lever are case hardened and the receiver has a natural brass finish. The two-piece walnut grips have a high polish "piano" finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines. The lack of Volcanic markings and the addition of "Patent" before the February 14, 1854 date indicate that the pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company into the New Haven Arms Company in April 1857. The serial number "1761" is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips. The top and sides of of the receiver and the backstrap are engraved with the large, open, scroll work utilized by the New Haven Arms Co., on factory engraved guns. The New Haven Arms Co., produced an estimated total of 3300 lever action pistols and carbines between 1857 and 1860. This total includes an estimated 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols. Volcanic pistols and carbines are scarce and historically significant firearms. The Volcanic lever action, integral magazine and self-contained "rocket ball" cartridges represented a significant advance in firearms design. The basic Volcanic designs evolved into the Henry lever action rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles and carbines. Oliver F. Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company and subsequent controlling interest in the New Haven Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

Very good. The fine brass receiver has an attractive, untouched, patina. The open scroll engraving is crisp. The side-plate joints are tight and the receiver has minimal handling marks. The barrel markings are clear. The barrel, hammer and lever are covered with light pitting. The barrel has been cleaned and shows some age discoloration. The hammer, lever and trigger have a dark brown patina. The grips are in very good condition and retain about half of the piano finish. There is a repaired crack in the right grip and several hair-line cracks in the heel of the right grip. This is a solid example of a scarce, factory engraved New Haven Arms Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol.