Lever Action Navy Pistol manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., in 1856-1857. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., made an estimated 1500 Navy pistols with 8-inch barrels between 1855 and 1857. In 1857 the Volcanic firm was reorganized by Oliver Winchester as the New Haven Arms Company. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the three-line legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14.1854". The serial number, "1752" is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, the right side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of each grip. The pistol has an 8-inch octagon barrel with integral magazine. The barrel has a brass cone front sight. The brass receiver has a period, silver plated finish. A fixed rear sight is mounted in the dovetail on the top of the receiver. The hammer and loading lever have a casehardened finish. The two piece, walnut, grips have a varnish finish. The lever action pistols and carbines manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., are historically significant firearms. The .41 caliber cartridge used in Volcanic carbines and pistols was one of the first cartridges with integral primer. The combination of integral, spring loaded magazine and lever action mechanism was subsequently incorporated on the successful Henry and Winchester lever action rifles.

Very good. The barrel has a dark age patina with scattered pitting and age discoloration. The edges of the barrel show light to moderate handling wear and are slightly rounded. The barrel makings and serial numbers are sharp. The screw is missing form the left side of the magazine collar on the end of the barrel. The period replated silver finish on the receiver is contemporary to the pistol. The receiver is in very good condition; wear is limited to some minor dents and scratches. The hammer and loading lever have a dark patina with some minor pitting. The grips are serial numbered to the pistol and retain about half of the refinished varnish finish. The right grip has small chips at the junction with the grip strap and at the heel. The left grip has an old repaired chip on the lower back strap and at the junction with the grip strap and the receiver. This is a solid example of a scarce and historically significant Volcanic Lever Action Navy Pistol.