This No. 1 Lever Action Pocket pistol with extra cost silver-plated frame, special factory engraving and factory antique ivory grips was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company c. 1857. This pistol is illustrated and described on page 75 of "Volcanic Firearms" by Edmund Lewis and Stephen Rutter. The pistol has a four-inch, non-ribbed barrel with integral six-shot magazine. The barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, pinch-top front sight blade and clam-shell shaped brass magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the New Haven Arms Company legend: "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14.1854." in a single line. The brass frame has semi-circular cut-outs at the front and rear of the ejection port and simple, dove-tail mounted rear sight. The sides, top of the frame, side-plates and backstrap are decorated with factory open scroll and floral engraving with slightly more detailed borders and a blank rib and on the left sideplate. The frame is silver-plated, and the bolt, rear sight and cartridge elevator have a fire blue finish. The left side of the butt is stamped with the serial number "295" beneath the grip. The hammer has a hand knurled spur. The lever, trigger and hammer are color casehardened. The special order two-piece grips are stamped with the pistol serial number "295" on the inside of both grips. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Very good. The barrel has an old artificially applied gray-brown patina over light pitting with traces of bright blue finish in protected areas. The barrel edges are sharp, and the New Haven Arms Company legend is crisp. There is some very light pitting on the right barrel flat and right side of the magazine collar. The brass frame retains 30% of the delicate silver-plated finish. The frame shows minimal handling marks and has tight side-plate joints. The well executed factory engraving is crisp and deep. Traces of fire blue finish are visible on the cartridge elevator, bolt and rear sight. The hammer, trigger and lever retain traces of the muted case colors. The grips are in fine overall condition with a good looking patina and some hair-line age cracks on the butt. This is a good-looking, documented example of a New Haven Arms Company No. 1 Pocket Pistol with extra cost silver-plated finish, special factory engraving and rarely encountered factory grips.