This is one of an estimated 850 No. 1 pocket pistols with a 3 1/2 inch barrel manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., New Haven, Connecticut, in 1857/58. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, round finger hole in the lever and flat bottom grips. The pistol is fitted with a pinched blade front sight on the barrel and a notch rear sight at the rear of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14. 1854." The deletion of "VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Company on May 1, 1857. The silver plated receiver is factory engraving with floral scrollwork on the sides and leaf pattern on top. The back strap features engraving entwining lines and scrollwork. Addition scrollwork is featured on the butt. Plating and engraving set back the customer an additional $1.50 over the standard $12.00 price. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

Fine. The barrel retains 30% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 85% plus of the original silver plating remains on the frame. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also fine with a series of dings on the bottom, high edge wear and a number of minor handling marks. Mechanically functions fine, although the breech bolt does not retract far enough back to cock the hammer.