New Haven Arms Co. manufactured an estimated grand total of 1,075 Volcanic No. 1 pistols (total includes both 3 ½ inch and 6 inch barreled variations) from 1857 to 1860. Offered here is a very early production No. 1 pocket pistol, serial number 3, with several non-standard features. First, the pistol has a 4 inch barrel in .31 caliber. Although New Haven advertised No. 1 pocket pistols with a 4 inch barrel, the barrels actually measured 3 ½ inches. No. 1 pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson in 1854 to 1855 had a 4 inch barrel but these barrels were part octagon. The barrel on this pistol is full octagon. Second, the grip frame is extended and therefore longer than a standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol frame. Third, the contours to the front of the frame distinguish it from the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol. The frame contours on this pistol feature a “stepped” type design. These contours are similar to those found on small frames manufactured by Smith & Wesson but note that a single screw secures the lever and side plates rather than two as on the S&W specimens. Other design features on this pistol are shared with the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol. These shared features include a full octagon barrel, a flat bottom grip, a finger loop lever without spur, a single screw securing the lever and side plates, and engraved brass side plates and frame. Engraved New Haven No. 1 pocket pistols were more common than their plain, polished frame counterparts. A broad floral scroll pattern is engraved on the silver plated side plates and frame. Floral patterns are engraved on the back strap and top flats of the receiver. Note that the engraving coverage deviates from the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol pattern as the front of the frame is plain which is more commonly observed on S&W produced engraved small frames. This lack of engraving was presumably due to the “stepped” contour which created less surface area for a proper embellishment. The barrel marking is faint and appears to read, “PATENT/FEB. 14, 1854.” It is fitted with a simple notch rear sight and a small silver blade front sight. The early single digit serial number “3” is found on the grip frame, both grip panels, and some small parts like the trigger and lever. A combination of the aforementioned features makes this pistol highly unusual and coupled with it single digit serial number certainly makes it a very early production gun, possibly even a prototype, New Haven built before settling on the familiar design we are accustom to find on scarce and highly desirable No. 1s. 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.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 97% plus original blue finish showing muzzle wear. 50% original blue finish remains on the lever. 98% plus age darkened original silver remains on the frame. The engraving is crisp. The grips are fine showing minor dings and scratches and retain most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. This high condition, extremely early production New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol with non-standard features will make a worthy addition to the most advanced antique collection. A definite must have for the serious collector, especially for collectors who believe they seen of have it all! Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection