Original Item. One Only. This is an very good condition Civil War Star Arms Model 1858 Double Action Army Percussion revolver, bearing the serial number of 22966, indicating production in mid 1863. This revolver was made towards the very end 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 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 the serial number 22966 on the trigger guard under the grip, the rear grip support, the barrel frame, the barrel under the rammer, the cylinder, the end of the grip, and even on the underside of the hammer. We would definitely consider this an "ALL MATCHING" revolver, with no parts swapped out over the years!

Other Markings 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 is now worn to a bright steel patina, as it was polished over the years to keep it clean. This unfortunately has worn away almost all of the original blued finish, however it shows no signs of being refurbished, so it is ALL ORIGINAL patina. The grip is in very good condition, with a very nice color. It still has a legible cartouche on the left side, a real rarity! It is marked with JSD, for Lt. James S. Dudley Lt., U.S. Army, who inspected Colt M1860 and Starr .44 Revolvers from 1861-1870.

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 to excellent condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. Probably rates an 8 out of 10. There are some small areas of light oxidation and fouling. The cylinder still has all 6 original nipples, all of which are still clear.

The action cycles well, though it is a bit stiff, and the mainspring quite strong. The trigger also sometimes can be very hard to pull back far enough to fire, so two fingers may be required. The revolver properly breaks down for cleaning, and the loading rammer works great.

Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: mid 1863
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.