This is a fine example of a desirable Volcanic Arms Company No. 1 pocket pistol with the very rare "6 inch" barrel, and deluxe stocks, that was prepared for custom engraving, but never engraved! This rare pistol is accompanied by a documentation letter from R. L. Wilson who describes the facts surrounding this rare pistol; 1) it does not include any factory name or address; 2) it was fitted with a set of two-piece deluxe grips, 3) the frame and side plates were polished but never engraved nor plated, which would have been done after it was engraved. Numerous companies in the past have sold both rifles and pistol in what has been termed "in the white" or "soft" condition, to outside companies that were intended to best custom engraved and or embellishment for special order customers. Consequently, Wilson's theory is that this specific pistol is one of those guns and for some reason just was never completed. Normally with this serial number range the barrel would have been marked with the New Haven Arms Co., markings which was used after April 1897. It is estimated that only approximately 225 No. 1 pocket pistols with 6 inch barrels were ever manufactured. The pistol has a blued octagon barrel with integral magazine, brass pocket pistol-size receiver, casehardened hammer, blued loading lever with finger hole and a set of two-piece deluxe grips. The barrel is fitted with a silver-cone shaped front sight with a fixed rear sight dovetailed into the top of the receiver. The serial number "940", is stamped on the right side of the cocking lever, and the lower left side of the frame under the grips.

Very good with barrel/integral magazine both having a light brown patina finish overall, with some very light traces of the blue in the protected areas. The receiver and side plates were polished years ago and now have taken on a flat gold/brass colored appearance. The deluxe grips are in very fine condition with a nice tight fit on the side of the frame and both show a very nice aged slightly yellow appearance. The are no cracks on the sides of the grips however there are some very minor circular age cracks on the under sides of each grip panel. A very nice looking and certainly very scarce/rare New Haven Arms Volcanic pistol.