Starr First Model .54 Caliber Percussion Carbine
Item #: AA3922
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This is a First Model Starr carbine manufactured by the Starr Arms Company of Yonkers, New York. The US Ordnance Department purchased 20,601 of this model carbine between July, 1863 and August, 1864. The serial number 13710 is stamped into the right side of the breechblock and on the underside of the barrel. That places this carbine just past the middle of the issue, somewhere around the 2nd quarter of 1864. The gun is correct in all respects, and has survived in excellent condition. The 21" round barrel has strong traces of the original bluing, with the remainder displaying a plum/brown patina. The pinched blade front sight is still attached, as well as the three position folding rear sight. The bore is bright with no pitting and still shows strong rifling. It gages out at .56 caliber, so it did shoot some rounds in anger! The receiver, lock plate, cocking lever/trigger guard and sling ring have a patina consistent with the barrel. The brass barrel band and butt plate have a beautiful, aged patina, with the butt plate displaying a slightly darker tone. The lock is stamped in two lines, "STARR ARMS CO/YONKERS.N.Y. with both lines being very crisp and legible. The top of the receiver is stamped in two lines, "STARR"S PATENT./SEPT. 14th 1858". The serial number of 13710 is stamped on the right side of the breechblock and on the underside of the barrel. The mechanics of this little war horse work perfectly. The walnut stock and fore end both have a beautiful medium brown color. The fore end still has a crisp barrel channel, but does have a few bumps and dings from use. The stock is free of any cracks or wood loss, but does have a repair just forward of the butt plate tang. A soldier personalized this one with his initials of P . H with silver pins pressed into the left side. The Starr carbines are known to have been issued to 44 US Cavalry regiments during the war. It ranks fifth in procurement by the US Ordnance Department in regards to carbines. This first model Starr carbine is an excellent example of a Civil War used carbine. If you are a Cavalry collector you gotta have one of these in your collection!
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