This is a highly desirable example of a Lever Action Navy pistol that was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., circa.1856. The pistol has a blued six-inch octagon barrel with integral magazine, distinctive brass frame, loading lever with finger hole and two-piece varnished walnut grips. The barrel has steel pinch-back front sight blade. The fixed rear sight is mounted in a dovetail on the top of the frame. The hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened and the frame is unfinished brass. The two-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB.14. 1854" in three-lines. This legend was the standard marking of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. (1855-57). The original Volcanic design was based on a Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson patent. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., evolved from Smith & Wesson; shirt-maker Oliver Winchester purchased stock in the Volcanic Co., in 1855. In April 1857, Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., as New Haven Arms. "Volcanic" was omitted from the barrel markings on guns manufactured after 1857. The serial number "698" is stamped on the right side of the finger lever, on the lower left side of the frame beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Volcanic pistols and carbines were revolutionary and historically significant firearms. The combination of a self-contained primed cartridge, spring loaded magazine and self-cocking lever action was unique in 1855 and with improved cartridges, served as a basis for the Henry and Winchester lever action rifles and carbines. The Volcanic Arms Co. manufactured an estimated 1,200 Navy Pistols with six-inch barrels between 1855 and 1857.