Original U.S. Civil War Relic Condition Starr Arms M1863 .44cal Single Action Army Percussion Revolver – Serial 49413 Original Items

Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very interesting “Relic Condition” or “Barn Found” example of a Civil War revolver bearing the serial number of 49413, indicating production in late 1863 – early 1864. This is definitely one of the later serial numbers that we have seen, as production of the single action example started at serial 23,000, and ended at 54,000. The original order was a 25,000 gun contract issued by the Union Army in October 1863 for delivery over 12 months. A second contract was issued to bring total production of the Single Action to about 32,000 by the end of the War, so this example was probably delivered in early 1865.

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 is in “barn fresh” condition, showing a well matured patina over all of the metalwork, with rust peppering and some scaling in areas. It looks like the screw pin that secures the frame closed was replaced at some time, as was the grip, though we do not know whether this happened before or after it spent a long time being “aged” in a barn or somewhere similar. It is marked with serial number 49413 on the front of the frame, under the hammer, and on the cylinder. We have not taken the revolver apart to see if the other serial numbers are matching, to avoid disturbing the lovely patina it has.

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.

Many of the parts look to be present, however the internal action is definitely missing some components, which may have been removed, or simply deteriorated and broke down over the years. The cylinder spins freely, except when the hammer is pulled all the way back, and the trigger does not move at all. The loading rammer moves, however the catch on the front is missing, so it falls down. This is really being sold only for display, though it could be a nice restoration project if one was so inclined.

In lovely Barn found “relic” condition, this “salty” Single Action Starr revolver will make a fine addition to any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: late 1864 – early 1865
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.