Per page 59 of "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter, this model was listed in the period as a "Detached Breech Rifle Carbine" and only 300 or less were manufactured. This already incredibly scarce Volcanic Arms Co. Pistol-Carbine is made even more desirable by its accompanying original shoulder stock numbered "305" and the original double compartment holster embossed "Volcanic" and "305" on the loop strap. The holster and markings are unquestionably 100% original and together with the inscribed pistol and numbered stock are the only complete set known to exist. Many of these pistols have mismatched shoulder stocks. The holster is similar to the example pictured on page 103 of the same reference and is incredibly rare, especially given it is numbered to the gun. Two other components of this lot add to its already considerably rarity, value, and historical interest: the "W.C./Dodge" inscribed silver inlay on the right grip and the gutta percha framed ambrotype of a man armed with a Volcanic pistol carbine with the stock dismounted. That carbine appears to be loaded in the photo given the location of the follower. The inscription and man pictured are believed to be highly influential 19th century inventor and patent lawyer William Castle Dodge (1827-1914), one of the foremost and least appreciated figures in the development and adoption of repeating and breech loading firearms. The man's facial features are very similar to a known portrait of Dodge much later in life. This set, to include the pistol with inscribed plaque serial #305, stock #305, holster #305 and ambrotype represent one the rarest firearms groupings known to the collecting fraternity. W.C. Dodge came to Washington, D.C., in 1860 after previously being a '49er and frontier farmer and was the doorkeeper of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is listed as one of the assistant marshals at Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. During the Civil War, Dodge was a U.S. Patent Office examiner until he resigned in early 1864 and established his own patent agency. The war is said to have spurred his interest in firearms advancements, particularly breech loading and repeating firearms. He is the author of "Breech-Loaders Versus Muzzle-Loaders; or, How to Strengthen Our Army and Crush the Rebellion with a Saving of Life and Treasure" (1864) which gives the Henry rifle particular praise. Given this, a Volcanic Pistol-Carbine would have certainly been a firearm that would have caught his earlier interest. His book included advertisements for New Haven Arms Co. and his new patent agency, and the latter included Oliver Winchester in his references. He was presented a finely engraved and inscribed Henry rifle by the New Haven Arms Co. in 1865 in relation to his influential publication. He was one of the men responsible for helping Oliver Winchester modify the Henry rifle into the famous Winchester Model 1866 as discussed on pages 117 and 142-143 of "Evolution of the Winchester" by McDowell and also served as Winchester's lawyer for patents. He was recognized within his lifetime for his contribution to firearms and ammunition designs. "Historical and Commercial Sketches of Washington and Environs" (1884) notes that he invented "valuable improvements in firearms and ammunition" including the automatic extractor used by Smith & Wesson and in Europe, "eight or nine improvements upon the celebrated Remington military rifle and double-barreled breech-loading shotgun, and others." It also references his innovative cartridge filling machine that was ordered by the government after the Washington Arsenal explosion in 1864. This machine made loading cartridges faster, more uniform, and safer. He received a gold medal from the King of Italy and an appointment as Knight Commander of the Order of Isabella the Catholic from the King of Spain in relation to his inventions, and his firm is noted as having "had entire charge of the patent business of several large manufacturing firms, among which may be mentioned E. Remington & Sons, the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Hall's Safe and Lock Co., besides many others." His patents were influential in the genesis of the Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 revolvers. Smith & Wesson bought his patent numbers 45,912 and 45,983 in 1869. Dodge also held U.S. Patent 114,653 for automatic ejection when the revolver was opened. This was one of the standout features of the First Model American. He is known to have presented some of the latter, including a No. 3 American and a Model No. 3 Russian Third Model revolvers previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company. His son William W. Dodge also patented improvements in firearms. The pistol-carbine has a small blade front sight, "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14 1854" double struck on top of the full ribbed barrel (most likely a factory error), wheel adjustable notch rear sight on the top of the frame, single hooked extractor, the noted silver plaque inscribed "W.C./Dodge," "34" on the left side of the stock mount, and "305" on the right side of the left, left side of the grip frame, inside of both grips, and heel of the buttplate. The leather holster has two compartments, one formed to the pistol and one formed to the stock and is marked "305" and "Volcanic" on the belt loop. Provenance: Mike Clark Collection, Michael Simens, Private Collection

Very good to fine, with strong traces of the original blue finish mixed with aged blue and smooth brown patina on the barrel and magazine tube, attractive natural aged patina on the brass frame, some dings and scratches mainly at the edges, and mild overall wear. The grips and stock are also fine with strong original finish, minor chips at the lower edges of the grips, and general minor dings and scratches. The finish of all is untouched. Mechanically fine. The holster is good with moderate overall wear including flaking, slight tears, and legible markings on the loop. The portrait is very good with distinct image, minor spots, and light age and storage wear on the gutta percha frame. This is an absolutely incredible lot with a scarce Volcanic Pistol-Carbine with even rarer matching shoulder stock and holster, scarce ambro of a man with a Volcanic Pistol-Carbine, and historical inscription plate for W.C. Dodge, Oliver Winchester's patent lawyer and one of the inventors of the Winchester Model 1866.