The various Volcanic pistols and carbines are among the most recognizable and collectible of all American firearms and are very scarce and important pieces in the evolution of repeating firearms. These early self-contained cartridges were integral in that evolution and are even more scarce than the arms themselves, especially when they still contain a fair quantity of ammunition, and are naturally excellent additions to collections containing Volcanic firearms. This tin currently contains approximately 80 cartridges which have five grooves and the brass bases. The exterior of the tin has a black japanned finish, and the inside of the lid has a pasted paper label notes it is for "200 No. 1/PISTOL CARTRIDGES,/MANUFACTURED BY/THE VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." and also listing J.W. Post as the company's agent as well as directions and the curious "PATENTED AUGUST 8th, 1854" marking. This patent actually refers to Smith & Wesson's metallic cartridge patent rather than Hunt's "Rocket Ball" as noted on in "Volcanic Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter which also includes images of similar cartridge tins on page 48 and 49.

Fine. The tin retains 80% plus of the dark japanned finish on the exterior and has all but the corners of the clearly legible label remaining inside the lid. The interior metal is mostly bright. The ammunition displays the usual white oxidation and is mostly complete though there are some loose bases and cones of powder. This would be an excellent addition to your growing Volcanic firearms collection! Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.