Offered here is a choice condition example of one of the only 850 No. 1 pocket pistols with a 3 1/2 inch barrel manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., New Haven, Connecticut. Because so few were produced, very few survived, making these pistols extremely desirable in any condition. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, round finger hole in the lever and flat bottom grips. The pistol is fitted with a pinched blade front sight on the barrel and a notch rear sight at the rear of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854." The deletion of "VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Company on May 1, 1857. The silver plated frame has a factory engraving consisting of floral scrollwork and borders. The serial number is stamped on the lower left side of the butt under the grip panel and on the back of each grip panel. The correct period partitioned case contains a case key and a reproduction cartridge box. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

Extremely fine. The barrel retains 75% plus original high polish blue finish with flaking turned brown on the balance. 30% original blue finish remains on the lever. The frame retains 95% original silver plating. The engraving is crisp. The grips are fine with a couple stabilized cracks, otherwise minor handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The unique case is fine with a repairable loose corner, wrapped lid, minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. A highly attractive cased factory engraved New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic No. 1 pistol that will make a great addition to any antique American collection!