This Volcanic carbine was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. circa 1860 and has a polished brass ("gunmetal") receiver and crescent buttplate. Most Volcanic carbines featured factory scroll engraving and examples like this one with a plain finish are rare. The carbine has a 16 inch blued octagon barrel and integral magazine with casehardened hammer, trigger and loading lever. The straight grain walnut stock has an oil finish. The barrel has a nickel-silver cone front sight blade. A wheel-adjustable rear sight was originally mounted in a dovetail on the receiver; the original rear sight on this rifle has been replaced with a period fixed aperture rear sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "PATENT" and "FEB 14, 1854". This modified legend was introduced in April 1857 after Oliver Winchester took control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and reorganized it as the New Haven Arms Co. The serial number, "2236", is stamped right side of the loading lever. The New Haven Arms Co. manufactured an estimated total of 1,000 Volcanic carbines between 1857 and 1860. The revolutionary Volcanic carbines featured self-cocking lever actions, integral spring-loaded magazines and were chambered for a cartridge with self-contained propellant and primer. Although the Volcanic carbines were not a commercial success, the development of reliable cartridges allowed the Volcanic lever action and integral magazine to serve as the basis for the successful Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 rifles. The investment of shirt manufacturer Oliver Winchester in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually resulted in the establishment of the New Haven Arms Co. and the Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Very good as repaired (barrel extension welded, filed and refinished). The brass receiver and buttplate have aged to very attractive patina. The side plate joints are tight, and the receiver has minimum handling wear. The blue finish on the barrel has aged to an even, deep brown patina. The barrel edges are sharp. Handling wear is minimal, and the New Haven Arms Co. legend is crisp. The casehardened hammer, lever and trigger have a smooth brown patina. The hand fitted tang and buttplate screws are in good condition. The adjustable rear sight is missing, and the period replacement rear sight has been removed from the receiver dovetail but accompanies the carbine. The straight grain walnut stock remains is good-very good condition. The stock has numerous light dents and scratches but retains most of the original finish. This is a representative example of a New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic carbine with scarce plain receiver, buttplate and 16-inch barrel.