This lever action pistol-carbine with attachable stock was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1855. Volcanic Arms Company pistol-carbines are very rare. Total production of pistol-carbines with sixteen-inch and eight-inch barrels is estimated to be approximately 300 guns. This carbine has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral 18-shot, spring loaded magazine, brass receiver and loading lever with finger hole. The carbine is complete with walnut attachable stock with crescent brass buttplate. The receiver has the rare, silver-plated finish, the barrel/magazine is blued and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The grips are walnut with a varnished finish. The barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded magazine T-bar, full rib and dove-tail mounted brass front sight. The left barrel flat is stamped with the legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB.14.1854" in three lines. The silver-plated brass receiver has a shallow semi-circular cut at the front of the ejection port and is fitted with an adjustable rear sight with elevation wheel. The bolt has the single hook extractor. The back strap has a large hole for the stock lug with a small hole above it for the stock alignment pin. The stock is secured by a thumb-screw in the pistol butt. The serial number "25" is visible on the lower left side of the frame beneath the grip, on the inside of both grips, on the right side of the loading lever and on the toggle link. The stock serial number "39" is stamped on the heel of the stock beneath the buttplate, inside of the buttplate heel and on both shanks of the buttplate screws. Stocks of Volcanic pistol-carbines are frequently found with different serial numbers than the pistols. An inventory number "313" is stamped on the buttplate behind the upper buttplate screw in tiny numerals. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

This early production pistol-carbine and attachable stock are in both very good condition. The barrel and integral magazine have a very attractive, plum brown patina. The edges of the barrel are sharp, and the Volcanic legend is crisp. Surface of the barrel/magazine are generally smooth with some tiny pin-hole pitting on the top and left barrel flats. The dove-tail mounted front sight is a period replacement and the rear sight is installed backwards. Both the front and rear sights are replacements. The receiver is in fine condition and retains 85% of the replated silver-plated finish. The side-plate joints are excellent. The surfaces of the receiver and sideplates show minimal handling wear. The hammer and cartridge elevator have a dark brown patina with some light dents and scratches. The hammer retains 80% of the original muted case colors. The refinished two-piece grips are both in fine condition and have most of the varnish. The replacement walnut stock is in very good overall condition with scattered shallow handling marks and retains 85% of the original finish. The iron stock yoke has a smooth, dark patina. The brass buttplate has been polished but has developed an attractive patina. This is a good-looking example of a desirable Volcanic Repeating Arms Company pistol-carbine with attachable stock.