Rare New Haven Arms Volcanic Carbine

[Henry4440]

Rare New Haven Arms Volcanic Carbine with 16.5-inch octagon barrel. Originally incorporated as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company, the firm experienced financial difficulties and was re-organized as New Haven Arms Company in 1857 by Oliver F. Winchester. The Volcanic Carbine fired a unique, .41 caliber, self-contained cartridge. The toggle and link lever action design was based on a patent filed in 1854 by Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson. With subsequent minor modifications, and the development of a copper rimfire cartridge, the Volcanic lever action became the basis for the successful Henry Rifle. The diminutive carbine has the same general configuration as the Henry Rifle but on a smaller scale. The carbine has a distinctive adjustable rear sight mounted on a dove-tail on the receiver. The magazine follower is similar to the later Henry follower but smaller. The heel of the crescent butt plate has distinctive beveled edges and a flat top. The buttplate does not have the hinged trap found on Henry rifles. The carbine has a blued barrel, case-hardened hammer, loading lever and trigger and niter blue rear sight. The receiver and butt plate are brass. The walnut stock has a high gloss, varnished, "piano" finish. The top barrel flat is marked: "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB.14.1854" in one unevenly spaced line. The numeral "8" is stamped on the underside of the action behind the cartridge elevator. The carbine has no other visible markings.