The New Haven Arms Company manufactured approximately 225 .31 caliber pistols with six-inch barrels between 1857 and 1862 using the small frame No. 1 action. This pistol has a Type 3 (non-ribbed) octagon barrel with integral eight-shot magazine, rounded T-bar spring, pinch-top front sight blade and brass, clam-shell, follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "NEWHAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14.1854" in one line. The plain brass receiver has semi-circular cut-outs at both ends of the ejection port and a dove-tail mounted rear sight. The bottom of the frame, correctly, lacks the external spring mounting screws found on large frame Volcanic pistols. The pistol has the distinctive loading lever with finger hole. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The bolt has a single hook extractor. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel originally had a bright blue finish. The bolt, cartridge elevator, rear sight and trigger spring are fire blue. The hammer, trigger and lever all appear to be color casehardened. The two-piece walnut grips have a high gloss varnish finish. The No. 1 Target pistol is one of the most difficult to obtain and most desirable of all of the New Haven Arms Company Volcanic firearms. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Fine. The barrel/magazine has an even, dove-gray patina with traces of bright blue finish in protected areas. The edges of the barrel are sharp and the legend is crisp. The brass frame is fine with tight side-plate joints, minimal handling and storage wear and a very attractive aged patina. The two-piece grips remain in fine condition with much of the original varnish finish and a few very insignificant storage marks. Traces of fire blue are present on protected areas of the bolt and rear sight; nearly all of the fire blue remains on the trigger spring. The hammer has 40% of the muted case colors. The loading lever and trigger have a mottled blue-gray patina. This is a fine example of a rare and highly desirable New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No.1 Target pistol.