Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16 for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16 for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Volcanic Repeating Arms Pistol, circa 1856

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Artifact Overview

The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company (1855-1857) made key early advancements in self-contained ammunition and repeating firearms. Using a "Rocketball" cartridge of a bullet with a hollow cavity in the rear for the charge, it allowed for the development of a repeater mechanism. Principals in the company included Oliver Winchester, Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Pistol

Date Made

circa 1856

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Guns

Object ID

00.3.1655

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Brass (Alloy)
Walnut (Wood)

Dimensions

Length: 14.5 in

Inscriptions

on top of the barrel: THE VULCANIC / REPEATING ARMS CO. / PATENT NEW HAVEN CONN. FEB. 14, 1854 on the right side of the cocking device: 1480
Keywords
Volcanic Repeating Arms Pistol, circa 1856