This Factory engraved, early production, No.2, lever action pistol was manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1854. This large frame pistol has the distinctive Type I features which include: (1) uncrowned muzzle, (2) flat T-bar spring, (3) frame with hump behind the lever, (4) loading lever with finger spur and (5) single screw cartridge carrier spring. The eight-inch, .41 caliber, part-round/part-octagon barrel and integral 10-shot magazine has a brass, pinch-top, front sight blade and round, slotted, magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "SMITH &WESSON/NORWICH. CT." with "PATENT" stamped on the muzzle end of the legend and "CAST-STEEL" on the receiver end. The receiver has a screw-fastened, fixed, rear sight, hammer with fine hand-knurling on the spur and two-piece, grips with flared butts. The receiver sides, top, backstrap, sideplates and back of the hammer are decorated with the well-executed, open scroll, factory engraving that was standard on S&W Volcanic pistols. The left side of the receiver beneath the grip and back of the rear sight are stamped with the serial number. The serial number which was typically lightly penciled on the inside of the grips is no longer visible. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel and magazine are blued and the trigger and hammer are color casehardened. The rear sight is fire blue. The porous steel did not retain the delicate bluing and few S&W Volcanic pistols have any of the original blue on the receiver. The grips are rosewood with a varnished piano finish. Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 500 large frame Volcanic pistols from 1854-1855. Surviving examples are scarce and very desirable in any condition. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection