The top of the barrel is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB 14, 1854" indicating that the pistol was manufactured after Volcanic's reorganization in April 1857 and the formation of the New Haven Arms Company. The company was formed to continue production of the former Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. These pistols were produced in 31 caliber and used the same basic frame as the original Volcanic. The frame is engraved with broad floral scroll designs with a simple dot border. The upper sides of the frame have a feather pattern, and the top of the frame and the back strap have a leaf design. The matching serial number is marked on the left side of the frame under the grip panel and stamped on the inside of the left grip panel. The pistols barrel was blue with a casehardened lever and trigger, unfinished brass frame, pinched blade front and fixed iron rear sights, and is fitted with two-piece smooth varnished walnut grips. The frame has a protective coat of varnish on it. Production of these scarce pistols ran from 1857 to 1860 with a total production of about 3,300 and a total production of the 3 1/2 inch barrel model of only about 850. The Volcanic pistols and carbines are extremely important firearms. They were some of the first successful repeating arms to utilize a self-contained cartridge and served as the basic design for the Henry and early Winchester lever action rifles. Comes with a letter and research information from famed author and firearms expert R.L. Wilson which in part verifies information above. Wilson also writes that it appears that the frame was never plated and the varnish was likely applied pre-World War II. Wilson also states in the letter that "Serial No. 1429 is recognized as one of the finest known examples of this pattern of Volcanic pistol."