This is an exceptionally attractive example of one of approximately 1,000 carbines manufactured by New Haven Arms Company between 1857 and 1860. These carbines are scarce and historically important; both as one of the first successful repeating arms to utilize a self-contained cartridge and as the forerunners of the Henry and Winchester lever action rifles. High condition examples such as this carbine are difficult to find. The barrel has a blade front sight and is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN PATENT FEB.14.1854," the marking adopted by the New Haven Arms Company after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in April 1857. The receiver has a dovetail mounted sporting type rear sight featuring a thumb wheel elevator and niter blue finish. The number "23" is found on the underside of the receiver in the area between the cartridge elevator and lever. The serial number "186" is found on the left side of the lower tang, all three receiver tang screws, both buttplate screws and buttplate.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 75% plus "streaked" original blue finish. The lever retains 80% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. The rear sight and cartridge elevator retain most of the original nitre blue. The excellent brass has a very attractive untouched honey colored age patina. The stock is also very fine showing some short streaks of white paint near the buttplate (right side), minor dings and scratches and retaining most of the finish. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable, scarce and historically significant firearm found in exceptional condition. This Volcanic Carbine will be a perfect example to fill a gap in your Winchester collection.