Volcanic pistols and carbines are among the most recognizable and collectible of all American firearms and are very scarce, and cartridges and cartridge tins that go along with them are even more rare and are certainly valuable additions to collections containing Volcanic firearms. The tin has a paper label inside that reads "200 No. 2/PISTOL CARTRIDGES,/MANUFACTURED BY/THE VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO.,/NEW HAVEN, CONN.". The cartridges themselves are .41 caliber and .67 inches long and have seven grooves and brass bases. The tin is mostly full and contains approximately 180 rounds in two layers (estimated as the top layer was not removed). Very similar tins and labels are shown on pages 48 of "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter. These cartridges are among the first self-contained cartridges and were integral in the evolution of firearms ammunition and of course the famous lever action firearms they were designed for.

Very fine, showing some areas of tarnish on the exterior of the tin. The label is complete and fully legible with a few areas of discoloration. Some of the ammunition has ruptured, however, the vast majority appear to be solid. A rare opportunity to own a nearly complete tin of this highly sought after ammunition! Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.