Item Description
Original Items: Only one set Available. This is a lovely condition Civil War revolver bearing the serial number of 27336, indicating production in late 1863 - early 1864. This revolver was part of a 25,000 contract issued by the Union Army in October 1863 for delivery over 12 months beginning with serial number 23,000.
This model featured a "single action" trigger, meaning each shot required the hammer to be set in the cocked position manually, unlike the Starr Model of 1858 that was a "double action" weapon. This ended up being more utilitarian, as it was often hard to accurately aim while also pulling the trigger to cock the weapon. The Model of 1863 also differed in barrel length being 8" as opposed to the 6" issue of the Model 1858. All of the variations of the Starr Revolver carried six cartridges in the chambers.
Our example has the serial number 27336 on the trigger guard under the grip, the rear grip support, the barrel frame, the barrel under the rammer, the cylinder, and on the end of the grip. As with most we see, the serial number under the hammer has been worn away powder burn, but we see no evidence that any parts were ever swapped on this revolver. We would definitely consider this an "ALL MATCHING" revolver, with no parts swapped out over the years, and it's a good one!
Other Markings include-
- STARR. ARMS. Co. NEW. YORK. found on left side of frame.
- STARR'S PATENT JAN. 15. 1856. found on right side of frame.
Nice smooth used finish showing a lovely gray aged patina, making this a very eye catching percussion civil war revolver. We do not see any signs of it having been refurbished, and it has a nice original "blade" front sight, which is still intact and installed in the dovetail. The grip is in very good shape, showing moderate wear with no major chipping or other damage. The original inspection cartouches are unfortunately faded to "ghosts" that we cannot read.
The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves, and areas with a bright finish, but also some small areas of fouling and light pitting, There are signs of moderate use, and considering that many percussion revolvers we get are nearly shot out, this is definitely a prime example. Mechanically the revolver cycles well, and properly breaks open for cleaning and loading. The cylinder stop is however not currently functional, so the cylinder can be rotated when the hammer is all the way forward. All 6 cap nipples are present, and look to be original. They are all clear, however they show only minor oxidation and wear from service. The insides of the chambers do show oxidation and fouling.
A very good example of a Single Action Starr revolver, ready to add to your collection and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: late 1863 - early 1864
Caliber: .44cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
More on the Starr Percussion Revolver:
Generally there are three models of Starr revolvers:
1863 Single Action .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver (produced 1863-1864) [23000 produced]
1858 Double Action .36 Caliber Percussion Navy Revolver (produced 1859-1860) [3000 produced]
1858 Double Action .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver (produced 1862-1863) [~21454 produced]
History of the STARR ARMS COMPANY Revolver-
About 23,000 double-action Starr revolvers were manufactured in the late 1850s and early 1860s. Of these, most were purchased by the U.S. Army. Starr revolvers, in both single-and double-action models, represented over 12 percent of the side arms issued to Union cavalry troops. Only Colt and Remington revolvers were more frequently encountered in the hands of Northern soldiers.
Starr revolvers were invented by Eben Townsend Starr of New York City, grandson of Nathan Starr and son of Nathan Starr, Jr., famous U. S. swordmakers and riflemakers of Middletown, Connecticut. This model is marked on the right side of its frame "STARR'S PATENT JAN. 15, 1856.", and on the left side, "STARR. ARMS. Co. NEW YORK." The patent date refers to E. T. Starr's U. S. Patent 14,118 for a self-cocking percussion pepperbox. His U.S. Patent 30,843, December 4, 1860, was for his double-action revolver.
Starr firearms were made at Yonkers, Binghamton, and Morrisania, New York, from 1858 to 1867. The New York City address referred to the Starr Arms Company store and office at 267 Broadway. Starr double-action .44 caliber revolvers, with serial numbers from 1 to about 23,000, were manufactured first, and Starr single-action .44 caliber revolvers, with serial numbers from about 23,000 to about 54,000, last.
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon