New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol with six-inch barrel manufactured c. 1860. by the New Haven Arms Company. The New Haven Arms Company made approximately 1000 No. 2 Navy pistols with eight-inch barrels and only 300 No. 2 Navy pistols with six-inch barrels between 1857 and 1862. This pistol has the distinctive brass (gunmetal) frame, lever with round finger hole and octagon barrel with integral eight-shot magazine. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the top flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "PATENT FEB 14, 1854/NEW HAVEN CONN.". The frame has a fixed, dove-tail mounted, rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the lever, right side of the frame beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. A "K" inspection mark is stamped on the upper left side of the lever. The pistol has a blued barrel/magazine, casehardened hammer with knurled spur and casehardened lever. The frame and side plates have a natural brass finish. The two-piece walnut grips are varnished.

Very good plus. This Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol retains about 20% of the blue and casehardened finish in protected areas. The blue finish on the barrel has aged to a mottled, plum brown patina with traces of blue in protected areas. The barrel markings are clear. The brass frame remains in very fine condition with an attractive aged patina. The side plate joints are tight and the frame and grip straps show minimal handling wear. The two-piece walnut grips are in good overall condition and retain about 50% of the original varnish. There is a professionally repaired crack in the right grip. This is a solid representative example of a historically significant Volcanic No.2 Navy Pistol with seldom encountered six-inch barrel.