Original Item. One Only. This is an very good service used condition Civil War Star Arms Model 1858 Double Action Army Percussion revolver, made sometime during or prior to 1863 during the Civil War. After this, starting at serial number 23,000, they moved to the requested Single Action Model of 1863, which cost HALF of what the earlier model did. This model also replaced the 6 inch barrel with a longer 8 inch barrel.

All of the variations of the Starr Revolver carried six cartridges in the chambers. Our example has seen quite a bit of use and wear, which unfortunately has worn away all of the serial number markings, except for under the loading rammer. However this is too worn to read, but looks to be 5 numbers long, ending in 77.

It still does show the markings on the side of the frame, which include:-

- STARR ARMS, Co. NEW. YORK. found on left side of frame.
- STARR'S PATENT JAN 16. 1856. found on right side of frame.

The finish on this Starr shows overall wear and a bit of past peppering, now faded overall to a dark gray oxidized patina. There is also some powder burn around the cylinder, common due to the gasses escaping and leaving corrosive residue on the metal components. The grip is in very good condition, with a very nice color, with some chips on the front toe, as is common. It shows wear overall, and there are no traces of the original inspection cartouches.

The barrel still has the correct "blade" front sight in the dovetail, which is still intact with light wear. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. It does show wear and past oxidation, as expected on a black powder percussion revolver that saw long service. The cylinder still has all of the original cap nipples present and clear, however all show wear, and one is broken off.

The action cycles relatively well, considering the condition of the exterior. It works in double and single action, though it "hangs up" about 20% of the time and will need to have the action reset. The safety on the rear of the trigger that prevents it moving far enough to actuate the hammer release button is stuck in the "up" firing position. The revolver properly breaks down for cleaning, and the loading rammer works great.

In truly great condition, we almost never see Starr Revolvers in such great cosmetic condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: late 1862
Caliber: .44cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Double Action Only
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.