Original Item. One Only. This is a very early example of a Civil War Star Arms Model 1858 Double Action Army Percussion revolver, bearing the serial number of 3402, indicating production in early 1862. This revolver was made about 20% through 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 3402 on the trigger guard under the grip, the barrel frame, the barrel under the rammer, the end of the wooden grip, and even on the underside of the hammer. There is also a partial marking on the frame UNDER the hammer, which is almost always worn away. The marking on the cylinder is unfortunately completely worn away, but this is still a very nice "Mostly Matching" example.

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 for the most part worn to a gray peppery patina from long use in service and subsequent cleaning. There is a bit of the original blued finish present, but only in protected areas such as under the barrel by the loading rammer. It shows no signs of having been refurbished or majorly cleaned at any time, so it is ALL ORIGINAL patina.

The grip is in very good condition, with a very nice color, with some worn chips on the front toe, as is common. There is also wear around the corner, and cleaning over the years has unfortunately removed the original inspection cartouches, with not even a "ghost" left.

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 condition, with clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish, showing evidence of past fouling and oxidation on the interior, removed by cleaning. We would probably rate this a 7 out of 10, which is definitely well above average for a civil war percussion revolver. The cap nipple cones on the cylinder are all present, however they all show wear and are all clogged with fouling and grease.

The action cycles well, with a crisp dry fire, though there is definitely some slop in the mechanics from wear and use. The cylinder sometimes fails to advance, and the trigger will need to be pulled a second time. Also, the trigger has a "safety" on the rear that prevents it moving far enough to actuate the hammer release button. This must be in the "up" position to cause the hammer to fire, however it can slide down inadvertently. The revolver properly breaks down for cleaning, and the loading rammer works great.

In very lovely service used condition, this is a revolver that looks to have seen long service during the Civil War! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: early 1862
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.

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