This factory engraved Volcanic No. 1 Target Pistol was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company c. 1857-1862. New Haven Arms Company manufactured only about 225 of these small frame, .31 caliber, No. 1 Pistols with six-inch barrels. Very few No. 1 Target Pistols were factory engraved. The pistol has the distinctive six-inch, .31 caliber, Type III barrel with integral ten-shot magazine, brass frame and loading lever with finger loop. The barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar magazine catch, brass clam shell shaped follower and nickel-silver, pinch-back, front sight. The top barrel flat is roll stamped with the New Haven Arms Company legend: "NEWHAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14 1854" in one line. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. The brass receiver has a shallow cut-out at the front of the ejection port and simple, dove-tail mounted, rear sight. The back strap and side plates and top and sides of the receiver are decorated with the standard New Haven Arms factory engraving consisting of simple, open, scrollwork with scallop and line borders. The hammer has hand cut knurling on the spur. The barrel/magazine, bolt, cartridge elevator, rear sight and frame screws have a high polish blue finish. The brass receiver and side plates were originally silver-plated. The two-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano finish.

Excellent. This rare pistol is all original and retains 60% of the high polish blue finish on the barrel/magazine. The New Haven Arms Company markings on the top barrel flat are crisp. The cartridge elevator, bolt and rear sight retain significant amounts of high polish blue. The hammer, and trigger have 85% of the original case colors. The delicate silver plated finish is visible on protected areas of the frame beneath the grips and behind the hammer. The balance of the brass frame has the good looking natural finish. The frame is in fine condition with sharp engraving, tight side-plate joints and minimal handling wear. The two-piece walnut grips are in very good condition and retain 80% of the high polish piano finish. There is a narrow 1-inch by 1/8-inch chip in the right grip along the back strap near the butt, and both grips have scattered handling marks. The initials "G C" are scratched in the left grip above the grip screw. This is a very good example of the rarest New Haven Arms Company small frame pistol variations; a No. 1 Target Pistol with factory engraving and silver-plated receiver. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.