Original U.S. Civil War Starr Arms M1863 .44cal Single Action Army Percussion Revolver – Serial 39096
Item Description
Original Items: Only one set Available. This is a fine Civil War revolver bearing the serial number of 39096, indicating production in mid-late 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. Each revolver carried six cartridges in the chambers.
Our example has the serial number 39096 on all parts of the revolver including the barrel (partly hidden by loading rammer), barrel extension, cylinder, trigger guard, grip support, and under the hammer. It even still has the marking on the end of the grip wood itself! That makes this a very desirable “ALL MATCHING” example, with no parts swapped out during service!
Other Markings include-
– STARR. ARMS. Co. NEW. YORK. found on left side of frame.
– STARR’S PATENT JAN. 15. 1856. found on right side
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 there are some areas such as under the loading rammer, where the original blued finish is preserved. It has a nice original “blade” front sight, which is still intact and installed in the dovetail. The bore is in very good condition, with clear rifling and a mostly bright finish, showing areas of light oxidation. Mechanically the revolver cycles well, and properly breaks open for cleaning and loading. It functions well, though it can be a bit stiff, as with any revolver of this age.
Ready to add to your collection and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 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.
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