The Volcanic lever action firearms are historically significant American firearms and are key links in the evolutionary tree that led to the Henry lever action rifle and the creation of Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and its innovative lever action rifles popular in the American West. The Volcanic repeaters were mainly hampered by their underpowered and often problematic ammunition but set the stage for further innovation. This is one of only an estimated 850 "No. 1 4 inch Pocket pistols" manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. of New Haven, Connecticut, in 1857-1862. 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." Both grip panels are numbered to the gun.

Fine with 40% original blue finish on the barrel and magazine, flaking to smooth brown and gray patina, attractive aged patina on the very fine action, 50% of the muted original case colors on the hammer, bright niter blue on some of the small parts, light scratches and dings, and generally minor age and storage related wear overall. The grips are also fine and have most of the glossy finish remaining, minor edge wear, and light handling marks. The hammer doesn't fully cock when the lever is run, but the pistol is otherwise mechanically fine.