This is an excavated Model 1863 single action Starr .44 caliber pistol. Three types of these pistols were patented, manufactured and sold to the US Government by Ebanezer Starr of New York. Between 1861 and 1864 a total of 47,454 Starr revolvers were bought by the US, approximately 23,000 were the Double Action Starr. The Model 1858 Starr Army revolver was in .44 caliber while the Model 1858 Starr Navy was .36 caliber. Both Model 1858 revolvers were double action. The government had requested Starr to produce the revolvers in single action the same as Colt's revolvers, thus the Model 1863 was born. Starr revolvers were the third highest in number to be purchased by the US Government during the Civil War. This single action was recovered in Richmond, Virginia and has been preserved. The wooden grips have long since deteriorated. The remainder of the weapon is very solid and has a black patina. The trigger, hammer loading lever, and cylinder are all clearly defined. All chambers of the cylinder are empty, but the hammer appears to be in the half cock position. This suggests that the soldier carrying this weapon was in the act of reloading when it was dropped. If you collect dug relics this would make a fine addition without breaking the bank!

Item # AA745

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