This is one of an estimated 850 No. 1 pocket pistols with a 3 1/2 inch barrel manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., New Haven, Connecticut, in 1857/58. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, round finger hole in the lever and flat bottom grips. The pistol is fitted with a pinched blade front sight on the barrel and a square notch rear sight at the rear of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854." The deletion of "VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Company on May 1, 1857. The serial number is stamped on the lower left side of the butt under the grip panel and on the back of each grip panel. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

Very good. The barrel retains 20% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina, a couple patches of pitting and a lead plugged/filled drilled hole after the patent date marking. Traces of original silver plating remain in the protected areas (especially behind the trigger) on the frame with the exposed brass having an attractive untouched patina. The grips are good with a crack near the top on the right panel, edge wear and minor-moderate dings. Although the lever is loose, the action functions properly. A solid Volcanic pistol for your Winchester or American antique firearms collection.