This No. 1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company c. 1858. This pistol has a plain brass frame which is much less common than the New Haven Arms Company pistols with factory engraved frames. The barrel and integral, six-shot, magazine, bolt, cartridge carrier and rear sight have a high polish blue finish. The two-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, clam-shell shaped brass follower and steel, pinch-top front sight. The barrel lacks the full or partial rib found on barrels manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in one line. The brass frame is not plated, has crescent cut-outs on either end of the ejection port and a simple, dove-tail mounted, rear sight. The hammer has coarse, hand-cut, knurling on the spur. The serial number, "292" is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The New Haven Arms Company manufactured approximately 850 No. 1 Lever Action Pocket pistols with four-inch barrels between 1857 and 1860. No.1 Pocket Pistols that lack the extra cost factory frame engraving are scarce. This pistol is pictured in "Volcanic Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter on page 73.

Fine. The barrel and integral magazine have 50% of the bright original blue finish with edge wear on the muzzle and high points and some thinning on contact areas. The barrel legend is crisp. The brass frame is in excellent condition with a very attractive, unpolished, patina. The frame and side plate joints are perfect. The cartridge carrier bottom, bolt and rear sight all retain significant amounts of bright blue finish. The hammer, trigger and lever have 80% of the muted case colors. The grips are in very fine condition and retain 85% of the varnished piano finish with some scattered, shallow, handling and storage marks. This is a fine original example of a New Haven Arms Company No. 1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.