This factory engraved Volcanic No. 1 lever action pocket pistol was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral six shot magazine, brass frame and loading lever with finger loop. The four-inch, Type III, barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar magazine catch, nickel silver, pinch-back front sight and 'clam shell' brass follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the New Haven Arms Company marking: "NEWHAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14.1854" in two lines. The brass receiver has shallow cut-outs at the front and rear of the ejection port and a dovetail mounted notched rear sight. The receiver sides, top, back strap and the side plates are decorated with the standard New Haven Arms Company factory engraving consisting of simple open scrollwork with scalloped borders. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the frame at the butt beneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. The loading lever has a finger loop and the hammer spur has coarse, hand-cut, knurling. The barrel, cartridge elevator and bolt have a high polish blue finish. The receiver and side plates have the natural brass finish, the lever, trigger and hammer are color casehardened and the two-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. This pistol is photographed on page 73 of "VOLCANIC FIREARMS" by Edmund Lewis & Stephen Rutter.

Fine. This pistol is all original and retains 50% of the bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel/magazine with minimal handling wear. The edges of the barrel are sharp, the markings are crisp. The brass receiver is in exceptionally fine condition with a handsome, un-touched, patina. The edges are sharp, the side plate joints are perfect and the engraving is extremely crisp. The receiver is free from scratches or handling marks. The cartridge elevator, bolt and rear sight retain significant amounts of the original high polish blue finish. The hammer and trigger retain 40% of the original muted case colors. The lever has traces of the blue finish. The revarnished two-piece walnut grips are in fine condition and retain 95% of the high polish piano finish. This is an outstanding example of a scarce and historically significant New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.