This pistol is one of an estimated 850 short barreled No. 1 Pocket pistols produced by the New Haven Arms Co. between 1857 and 1860. This example has the "NEW HAVEN CONN/PATENT FEB. 14, 1854" barrel marking, threaded in pinched blade and dovetailed notch sights, varnished walnut grips and the standard ring lever. The serial numbers on the grips and grip frame match. These pocket pistols along with the Navy pistols and carbines produced at the same time by the New Haven Arms. Co. mark an important step in the evolution of repeating firearms. They were the final step prior to the iconic Henry rifle and share many attributes with the later design which was essentially a Volcanic redesigned for .44 Henry rimfire cartridges.

Good. The barrels, lever, and hammer have a mostly crisp blue/brown patina with some mild oxidation and spots of scattered surface rust/pitting. The frame has an attractive aged patina with small pin prick marks and light scratches. The grips are fair and have chips along the edges and numerous small scratches and dings. The right panel has a vertical hairline crack present on top. It needs some mechanical work. Due to the small number of these pistols made and their important place in firearms history, the No. 1 Pocket Volcanic pistol is a must have for any collection of American firearms but is absent from most.