Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., circa 1859. This diminutive lever action pistol has a 3 1/2 inch octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine and distinctive brass frame. The barrel has a pinch-top front sight and a fixed rear sight mounted in a dovetail on the framer. The legend "NEW HAVEN CONN. /PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" is roll-stamped in two lines on the top barrel flat. The serial number, "1411" is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. The barrel is blued, the hammer and finger-ring lever are color casehardened and the two-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano 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.

Fine. The brass frame is in very fine condition with a mellow, unpolished patina. The side plate joints are extremely tight. Wear on the frame is limited to a few very minor scratches and handling marks. None of the blue finish is present on the barrel/magazine. The surfaces of the barrel/magazine have a mottled silver-gray patina with scattered spots of surface rust and shallow pitting. The New Haven Arms legend is clear. The lever has the same mottled silver-gray patina and patches of surface rust as the barrel. The hammer has sharp knurling on the spur and retains about 75% of the muted casehardened finish. The two-piece walnut grips are in good overall condition and retain about 80% of the high polish piano finish with moderate handling wear. The bolt has been polished and modified for centerfire cartridges. The New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic Pocket Pistols are rare and desirable firearms.