Short Overview:
This scarce Volcanic Arms Company Navy Model lever-action pistol, serial number 733, is a highly desirable early repeating handgun produced during the formative years of American arms development. Manufactured between 1855 and 1857, this .41 caliber pistol is a well-preserved, all-matching example from one of the most historically significant transitional firearms platforms, directly preceding the Henry and Winchester designs.
 
Detailed Description:
The Volcanic repeating arms represent one of the most important evolutionary steps in American firearms history, introducing the lever-action repeating system that would later be perfected by the Henry and Winchester companies. Produced in limited numbers by the Volcanic Arms Company during the mid-1850s, these pistols saw relatively brief production and suffered from practical limitations, making original surviving examples increasingly scarce.
This Navy Model Volcanic pistol is the larger of the Volcanic handgun offerings and features the standard 8-inch octagonal barrel with integral magazine tube and the characteristic pinched post front sight. The top flat of the barrel retains crisp and legible “VOLCANIC ARMS COMPANY” markings, a key indicator of originality and condition.
The pistol is mounted with the typical gun metal brass frame and sideplates, fitted with two-piece smooth walnut grips, each numbered to the pistol. Serial number 733 is observed in all correct and expected locations, including:
Left side of the butt strap
Beneath the grips
Inside both grip panels
On all visible internal parts, including sideplates
 
According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, approximately 1,500 Navy Model pistols were manufactured between 1855 and 1857. Few survive today in all-matching condition, making this example particularly desirable for collectors of early repeating arms and Volcanic firearms.