Guns International #: 102890537
Seller's Inventory #: 244520
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Guns International #: 102890537
Category - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850
- Antique Pistols - Cartridge
VERY RARE Antique BRASS FRAME New Haven Arms VOLCANIC No. 1 Pocket Pistol
Firing a .31 Caliber VOLCANIC ROCKET BALL
Description: VERY RARE Antique BRASS FRAME New Haven Arms VOLCANIC No. 1 Pocket Pistol Firing a .31 Caliber VOLCANIC ROCKET BALL Here we present a Very Rare Antique New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol, made circa 1857-60 in New Haven, Connecticut. This pistol was designed to use so-called “rocket ball” ammunition first developed by Walter Hunt in the late 1840s. It is equipped with a tubular magazine under the barrel, which is loaded from the front by simply compressing the spring and follower, then swiveling the muzzle to the side. The lever cycles both lifts a new round to the chamber and cocks the hammer. The barrel flat is roll-stamped "NEW HAVEN CONN/PATENT FEB. 14. 1854". The omission of the "VOLCANIC" markings indicates that the pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and reorganized it as the New Haven Arms Co. in April 1857. Even with its advanced design, including the now self-primed “Volcanic” rounds, the precursor Smith & Wesson lever action pistols didn’t find much traction and that early iteration of the Smith & Wesson Company which began in 1853 lasted only 17 months. Hoping to recoup some of their financial losses, it was reorganized into the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in 1855 and brought in a shirtmaker named Oliver Winchester, who would become the company’s Vice President. Hampered by underpowered ammunition and facing stiff competition from revolver manufactures like Colt, the Volcanic pistol and carbine saw sluggish sales and the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company nearly went under in early 1857. Oliver Winchester effectively dissolved the company later that year, but the savvy businessman still saw potential in the lever action concept. Winchester purchased all of the Volcanic patents and assets for $40,242.51, renamed and relocated the company to New Haven, Connecticut and continued to produce the Volcanic repeater design with New Haven Arms Company until 1860. This pistol has an octagon barrel with a crowned muzzle and an integral six-shot magazine, along with a brass frame, a round butt, and the distinctive cocking lever with a finger hole and spur. The lever action and integral magazine introduced on this pre-Volcanic pistol represents the first iteration of the lever action/integral magazine subsequently incorporated in the successful Henry and Winchester rifles, and the unique “rocket ball” cartridge introduced with the S&W lever action repeating pistols was one of the first self-contained cartridges. It made the names Smith & Wesson, Henry, Winchester, and New Haven Arms indelible in firearms history. The overall condition is good. Patina throughout. The action is functional. The bolt does not quite push the hammer far enough into the cocked position, but it can be cocked manually and has good spring tension. The bore is in good condition with nice rifling. The grips are ivory replacements that are solid, though slightly shy to the frame. Here is an extremely desirable pistol that was touched by many legendary names and made many names legendary. Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. Barrel is 4 inches. Caliber: .31 Volcanic Rocket Ball Overall condition as seen in photos. Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail! Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. ancestryguns $9500 #244520 Price: $9,500.00 Buy Now Antique: Yes Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102890537
Seller's Inventory #: 244520
Guns International #: 102890537
Seller's Inventory #: 244520