{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-starr-model-1865-saddle-ring-carbine-in-56-50-spencer-rimfire-matching-serial-30044","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Starr Model 1865 Saddle Ring Carbine in .56-50 Spencer Rimfire - Matching Serial 30044","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The Starr carbine was a \"Capping Breech Loader\" single-shot firearm used by the United States Army. Designed in 1858, the Starr was primarily used by cavalry soldiers in the American Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn January 1858, Ebenezer Starr submitted his design for a single-shot, breech-loading cap fired rifle to the Washington Armory for evaluation. During testing, the rifle was noted to have no misfires, and its accuracy was considered better than average. Testers commented that if the gas seal could be improved, the weapon would be better than its rival, the Sharps carbine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle was adopted as the Model 1858 carbine. Between 1861 and 1864, over 20,000 were produced by the Starr Arms Company of Yonkers, New York. The Model 1858 was designed to fire paper or linen cartridges. In 1865, the government ordered 3,000 Starr carbines chambered to use metal cartridge, known as the Model 1865. These proved to be successful, and an additional 2,000 were ordered. Although the Starr carbine had proven to be effective during the Civil War, it was not successful during the trials of 1865 by the U.S. Army trials board, and no further rifles were ordered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the war, the Starr Arms Company had been the fifth largest supplier of carbines and the third largest supplier of .44 caliber single action pistols. After the war had ended, and with no further government contracts, Starr could no longer compete with larger manufacturers like Winchester, Sharps, and Colt, and the company closed its doors in 1867.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely service used example of the Model 1865 Starr Saddle Ring Carbine, a rimfire design intended for Cavalry troops. We have only had a few of these before, as the \"capping breech loader\" Model 1858 is much more common on the market. The barrel on this very nice example is marked with serial number \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e30044\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e on the right side of the barrel nocks form, which is also marked on the inside of the receiver, which can only be seen by disassembling the carbine. That makes this a great \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no major components swapped out. The carbine is marked nicely on both lock and barrel: \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSTARR ARMS CO. YONKERS, N.Y. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, which are both mostly clear\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e It also still has complete patent markings just behind the falling breech: \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSTARR'S PATENT. \/ SEPT. 14TH 1858\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is offered in very good condition, showing years of careful cleaning after its service life was completed. The metalwork shows a lovely gray mottled patina in most areas, with no real peppering or major oxidation that we can see. There is a bit of light powder burn around the breech area, as even with the gas seal some corrosive material would still escape. The stocks have a lovely red brown color with a great oiled finish, only achieved after many years. There are some minor scratches and dents, but nothing out of line with service wear. There is a cartouche by the saddle ring that reads \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTB\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e for \u003cem\u003eSamuel T. Bugbee\u003c\/em\u003e, who inspected Starr Revolvers and Carbines circa 1861\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll aspects function correctly and move smoothly, and the rimfire firing pin is still present and moves correctly. The cartridge ejector in the receiver moves correctly, though we have not had the opportunity to test it on real brass. The bore in the 21\" barrel is in good condition with with crisp lands and grooves but areas of light fouling and oxidation as is typical for this age firearm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great example of a true Civil War Rimfire Carbine, one of only 5,000 made! Ready to fill that spot in your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Production: c.1865\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: \u003cspan\u003e.56-50 Spencer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eLength: 37.5 in (950 mm)\u003cbr\u003eBarrel length: 21 in (530 mm)\u003cbr\u003eAction: Falling block action\u003cbr\u003eFeed system: Single Shot, breech-loading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesign and features\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Starr carbine was similar in design to the Sharps carbine. The Starr had a longer receiver and a distinctive web between the tail of the breech lever and the underside of the butt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Starr carbine had a .54 caliber barrel that was 21 inches in length. The weapon had an overall length of 37.65 inches and a weight of 7.4 lbs. The Starr carbine had a three-position rear sight composed of a standing block and two folding leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction history\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel 1858\u003cbr\u003eDesigner: Ebenezer Starr\u003cbr\u003eDesigned: 1858\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Starr Arms Company\u003cbr\u003eNumber built: 25,000\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel 1865\u003cbr\u003eDesigner: Ebenezer Starr\u003cbr\u003eDesigned: 1865\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Starr Arms Company\u003cbr\u003eNumber built: 5,000\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42159471788101,"sku":"ONAC24MAX32","price":1995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC24MAX32__01.jpg?v=1731686037","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-starr-model-1865-saddle-ring-carbine-in-56-50-spencer-rimfire-matching-serial-30044","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}