This Volcanic No. 2 lever action navy pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1856. The Volcanic Arms Company manufactured an estimated 1,000 No. 2 pistols with 8-inch barrels between July 1855 and April 1857. The pistol has the distinctive .41 caliber octagon barrel with integral 9-shot magazine, brass frame, loading lever with finger hole and flat-base walnut grips. The Type I, full rib, barrel has a rounded T-bar spring, brass cone front sight and small, brass, clam-shell shaped follower. The brass receiver lacks the simple factory scroll engraving found on most Volcanic Repeating Arms Company pistols. The top of the receiver has a small semi-circular cut-out on the front of the ejection port and fixed, dove-tail mounted, rear sight. The bolt has a double hook extractor. The hammer has a hand-knurled spur. The top barrel flat is stamped with the legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING AMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854." The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever and left side of the butt beneath the grips. the serial number is also written in pencil on the inside of both grips. The toggle lever action, spring-loaded magazine and integrally primed 'rocket ball' cartridge were significant innovations that paved the way for the successful Henry and Winchester lever action rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company introduced him to firearms manufacturing and led to the eventual establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

Fine. The blue finish on the barrel is professionally restored and has faded to a very attractive plum-brown patina. The metal surfaces are smooth with sharp edges and clear Volcanic legend. The receiver is very fine and has a good-looking, untouched patina with tight sideplate joints. Traces of fire blue finish are visible on the rear sight and bolt. The hammer, trigger and lever have been artificially aged to a mottled brown patina. The re-varnished two piece grips are also fine and retain most of the varnish with only light handling wear. This is a solid example of a scarce and historically significant Volcanic Repeating Arms No. 2 Lever Action Navy Pistol.