Original U.S. Civil War Starr Model 1858 Capping Breech Loader Saddle Ring Carbine – Serial 10878
Item Description
Original 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.
In 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.
The 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. 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.
During 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.
The barrel on this example is marked with serial number 10878 on the falling breech. It is also marked nicely on both lock and barrel: STARR ARMS CO. YONKERS, N.Y. , which are both clear. It also still has patent markings just behind the falling breech: STARR’S PATENT. / SEPT. 14TH 1858. The left side of the barrel is stamped L.A.B., for inspector Lester A. Beardslee Lt. Cdr., USN, who also inspected Starr Revolvers. There is also a cartouche on the left wrist, which looks to read “J.P.D.” or “F.P.D.”.
This example is offered in very good condition, though it definitely shows wear from service, especially on the stock wood. The fore stock has some chunks and chips missing on the woodline, and shows dents and other wear. We were not able to remove it to check for a serial number, as the band spring is stuck. The butt stock has definitely fared better, with some great grain. All mechanical aspects function correctly and move smoothly, and the cap nipple cone is still intact. The bore in the 21″ barrel is very good, with clear lands and grooves, with a mostly bright finish, and some areas of fouling and oxidation.
A true Civil War Capping Breech Loading Carbine, ready to fill that spot in your collection!
Specifications:
Year of Production: c.1863
Caliber: .54 inches (14 mm)
Ammunition type: Paper or Linen Wrapped Cartridge
Ignition: percussion cap
Length: 37.5 in (950 mm)
Barrel length: 21 in (530 mm)
Action: Falling block action
Feed system: Single Shot, breech-loading
Design and features
The 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.
The 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. It fired paper or linen cartridges that were ignited by conventional percussion caps. The weapon fired reliably as long as the lengthy flash channel was kept clean.
Production history
Designer: Ebenezer Starr
Designed: 1858
Manufacturer: Starr Arms Company
Number built: 25,000
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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