Original Item. One Only. This is a fine Civil War Star Arms Model 1858 Double Action Army Percussion revolver bearing the serial number of 21938, indicating production in early 1863. This revolver was part of a production run of around 21,500 revolvers, delivered to the U.S. Army 1862-1863. 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 was produced before the model change as indicated by the serial number, so it is double action, and should have a six inch barrel. However, this example definitely has an original eight inch barrel, with the correct length loading rammer. Was this a special order, or did Starr Arms simply switch to 8 inch barrels at the very end of the M1858 production run? Definitely an interesting research opportunity here!

All of the variations of the Starr Revolver carried six cartridges in the chambers. Our example has the serial number 21938 on the cylinder (faint), the trigger guard under the grip, the rear grip support, on the end of the wood grip itself, the barrel frame, and even on the hammer. We would consider this an "ALL MATCHING" revolver, and it is quite nice.

Other Markings include-

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

Nice smooth used finish showing some areas of light pitting and oxidation. This has the look of a nice service-used revolver, one that was "actaully there." It also has a nice "blade" front sight, which is still intact. Bore shows strong Rifling with areas of oxidation. Mechanically the revolver cycles well, and properly breaks open for cleaning and loading. As with any revolver of this age and use, it can be a bit quirky, so sometimes the hammer cannot be pulled back in the single action fashion.

Ready to add to your collection and display!

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.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .44cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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