This extremely scarce lever action pistol is one of only 350 manufactured across the first and second models of Italian maker Pietro Venditti. This pistol is similar in many ways to the American Volcanic Pistols, and until recently was thought to have influenced Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson in their design. It is now surmised, that Venditti did not have his first experience with firearms design until after his release from prison in 1860, well after Smith & Wesson had patented their design. This is supported by the lack of any appearance of this mechanism if the "Catalogue of the Great Exhibition" printed in 1851 where Smith and/or Wesson supposedly got the idea, as well as the fact that no documentation exists showing either man leaving the United States at that time. For more information on this subject see pages 145-148 of "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Edmund Lewis and Stephen Rutter. The barrel bears traces of the first model style "SISTEMA VENDITTI" marking on the top flat. This marking is flanked by factory engraved scrollwork that extends to the top of the frame, frame sides at the front, side plates, and back strap. The frame is brass with iron side plates. The pistol has a 10-shot tubular magazine and two piece checkered grips with escutcheons. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Fair. The iron surfaces have turned to a dark gray with pitting throughout. The brass has an attractive mellow appearance with crisp engraving. The hammer and muzzle collar screws and lever ring are replacements. The front sight and lanyard swivel are absent. The grips are very good with some worn checkering. Mechanically very good. A scarce handgun in the evolutionary development of lever action arms.