The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company manufactured an estimated 1,200 Navy style pistols with 6 inch barrels between July 1855 and April 1857 when Oliver Winchester took control of the company and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Company. Volcanic pistols and carbines are revolutionary and historically significant firearms. The top barrel flat is stamped "VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854." These markings indicate the pistol was manufactured before Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. as the New Haven Arms Co. in 1857. The receiver is decorated with the open scroll engraving used on factory engraved Volcanic firearms. The barrel and magazine tube are blued, the brass frame was originally gold plated over the original silver plating, and the hammer and lever are casehardened. Matching serial numbers are found on the grip frame and both grip panels. The lever has the number "682", likely a factory error as the serial number is "982." Volcanic pistols and carbines have a significant place in the development of American firearms. The combination of a self-contained cartridge, integral, multi-shot magazine and self-cocking lever action made Volcanic pistols and carbines the most advanced firearms of their day. The key features of the Volcanic pistols and carbines were refined and incorporated in the Henry rifle and Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles and carbines. Finally, shirt maker Oliver Winchester's investment in Volcanic Repeating Arms introduced him to the firearms business.

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain nearly 90% original blue finish with the balance a smooth blended patina. The frame retains much of the original gold plating with virtually all of the silver plating underneath, and the exposed brass has a very attractive appearance. The engraving is crisp. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The grips are fine with minor handling marks and retain most of the original finish. Mechanically excellent. 6 inch Navy Model Volcanics are exceedingly scarce, even more so are those with gold plated frames! Be sure to add this to your early American firearms collection!