This high condition, highly attractive, highly sought after Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Navy pistol features an eight inch barrel with "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEW HAVEN CONN FEB, 1854" stamped on the top flat. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. manufactured only an estimated 1,500 Navy pistols with 8 inch barrels between 1855 and 1857. The pistol has an integral ten shot magazine, a brass receiver, and the distinctive loading lever with finger hole. The receiver has a dovetail mounted notch rear sight and a semi-circular cut-out at the front of the ejection port. The matching serial number is located on the right side of the loading lever, right side of the butt beneath the grip, and stamped on the inside of both grip panels. The Volcanic lever action 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 of these pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle, and Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and the Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. The Volcanic repeaters were mainly hampered by their underpowered and often problematic ammunition. After these New Haven pistols, lever action designs focused on rifles and carbines. Volcanic lever action firearms are highly popular among today's collectors, especially high condition examples like this one that are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection

Excellent. The barrel and magazine retain 95% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The brass has a highly attractive mellow appearance. The frame has tight fitting sideplates. 60% original nitre blue remains on the lever. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also excellent with minor handling marks, minimal high edge wear and nearly all of the finish remaining. Mechanically fine. An outstanding Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Navy Pistol that will be hard to improve upon.