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Lot 5:New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol

September 10th, 2021|Rock Island, IL

Lot 5:New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol

September 10th, 2021|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$12,000 - $18,000

Scarce New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol with Inscribed Case

This New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol with factory case is inscribed "J.A. Ramsey". The pistol has a distinctive octagon barrel with integral 10 shot magazine, clam-shell follower and brass cone front sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the New Haven Arms Company marking: "PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN FEB. 14 1854". The barrel markings have vary in depth, and the date is nearly illegible. The brass receiver is silver plated and fitted with a loading lever with finger loop, fixed rear sight and hammer with coarse knurling on the spur. There are semi-circular cut-outs at the front and rear of the ejection port. The rear sight and bolt are niter blue, and the hammer trigger and lever are color casehardened. The two piece varnished walnut grips have flared butts. The serial number is stamped: (1) on the right side of the loading lever, (2) right side of the receiver beneath the grip and (3) the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. A small "L" inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the loading lever and on the right side of the butt beneath the grip. The mahogany, American style case has an oval brass inscription plate on the center of the lid with brass reinforcements on the corners and sides. "J.A. Ramsey" is inscribed in script letters on the oval plate. The case has four compartments and is lined with crimson felt. Cased Volcanic firearms are very scarce. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

ConditionFine. The pistol is all original and retains 60% of the blue, silver-plated and casehardened finish. The barrel has 80% of the blue finish with scattered age spotting. There are small spots of shallow pitting on the upper left barrel flat. The barrel edges are sharp, and the markings are crisp. The receiver is fine overall and has 30% of the delicate silver plated finish. The balance of the brass receiver has an attractive patina with minimal handling wear and perfect side-plate joints. The hammer, lever and trigger have 60% of the muted case colors. Traces of the fire blue finish are present on protected areas of the rear sight. The grips are also in fine condition and retain 75% of the original piano finish with scattered minor handling wear. The case exterior is in good overall condition. The case lid shows moderate handling wear with hair-line cracks along the top edge and right side and a 1/2-inch chip on the right side near the lower reinforcement. The brass inscription plate and reinforcements on the lid and sides have a dark, untouched patina. The reinforcements on the back of the case body are loose. The case interior remains in very good condition. The felt lining is clean and un-faded. The only visible wear is faint compression marks from contact with the pistol. This is a good looking, original example of a scarce New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol with inscribed factory case.

Details

ManufacturerNew Haven Arms Co.

ModelVolcanic

TypePistol

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge41 Volcanic

Barrel8 inch

Finishblue/silver plated

Gripvarnished walnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL