Original Items: Only one set Available. This is a very good condition Civil War revolver bearing the serial number of 27786, 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 27786 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. There is also a FULLY INTACT marking on the frame UNDER the hammer, which is almost always worn away. We would definitely consider this an "ALL MATCHING" revolver, with no parts swapped out over the years, and it's a great 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 the original blued finish is actually still retained on many areas of the frame. 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 only light wear with a lovely varnished finish. It has been personalized with the initials W E on the left side. However it also still has a legible GWC cartouche on the left side, for George W. Chapin, a known inspector of Starr revolvers. There is also a cartouche on the right side, but it is too faint for us to 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 is not much sign of use, and considering that many percussion revolvers we get are nearly shot out, this is definitely a prime example. Mechanically the revolver cycles perfectly, and properly breaks open for cleaning and loading. 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 show just a bit of oxidation.

A really great 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.