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Extremely Scarce Inscribed Volcanic Lever Action Pistol-Carbine with Matching Shoulder Stock
Dodge” Silver Plaque, Inscribed and Inlayed in the Grip, Matching Detachable Shoulder Stock, Matching Double-Compartment Leather Holster, and an Ambrotype of a Man Armed with a Similar Carbine - Serial no. 305, 41 Volcanic cal., 16 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut stock, varnished walnut grips.
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.
LOT 3011
Virtually Unique, Unbelievably Rare, Historic Volcanic Arms Co. Lever Action Repeating Carbine with “W.C.
Collector’s Fact
According to Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle by Lewis and Rutter, fewer than 300 Volcanic Pistol-Carbines were produced.
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