This scarce Lever Action Navy pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., c. 1856. The pistol has the distinctive brass receiver, loading lever with finger hole and octagon barrel with full-length magazine. The .41 caliber barrel has the Type I profile with full rib, integral 10-shot magazine, crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, nickel-silver cone front sight and steel, clam-shell shaped magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the three-line legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB.14.1854". The top of the receiver has semi-circular cut-outs on either side of the ejection port and a dove-tail mounted fixed rear sight. The bolt has the first style single hook extractor. The hammer has hand-knurling on the spur. The pistol has two-piece walnut grips with flared butts. The right side of the lever, right side of the butt beneath the grip, and inside of both grips are stamped with the serial number. All of the visible serial numbers match. An "L" factory inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the lever and left side of the butt beneath the grip. The barrel and magazine are blued, the receiver is natural brass, the hammer and trigger are color casehardened and the cartridge elevator, bolt, loading lever and rear sight are fire blue. The grips have a varnished piano finish. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., manufactured approximately 1,500 Lever Action Navy pistols with eight-inch barrels between 1855 and 1857. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Very fine. This pistol is all original and retains 80% of the original blue finish on the barrel/magazine. The barrel/magazine finish shows only limited handling wear on the muzzle and edges. The Volcanic Repeating Arms legend on the top flat is extremely sharp. The brass receiver is very fine with crisp side-plate joints, minimal handling marks and a very attractive, un-touched patina. Significant amounts of the delicate fire blue finish are present on the cartridge elevator, bolt, rear sight and protected areas of the lever. The hammer and trigger retain 60% of the muted case colors. The flared walnut grips are very fine and retain 70% of the original piano finish with scattered, insignificant, handling marks.