This very scarce early repeating pistol is one of approximately 1,200 of these No. 1 pistols manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut; 700 of which believed to have been manufactured and assembled by Smith & Wesson between 1854-1855, and the remaining 500 believed to have been assembled by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. from parts acquired from Smith & Wesson between 1855-1857, per page 31 of "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter. These are historically significant pieces for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors, as they marked Smith and Wesson's first business venture and are key pieces in the evolution of lever action repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges, which developed into the famous Henry rifle and then Winchester's famous line of lever actions. The octagon section of the barrel is marked "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854." on the left, "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." on top, and "CAST-STEEL" on the right. Features factory floral scroll engraving on the frame, side plates, and hammer, with antique ivory grips. Post front sight mounted on the barrel, with a notch rear sight mounted on top of the frame. Matching serial number "53" marked on the left side of the grip frame and handwritten on the interior of both grip panels. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection