~ 1863 Starr Single Action Army Revolver 44 Caliber - American USA Civil War Era ~
The 1863 Starr Single Action Army Revolver is a .44 caliber percussion revolver that holds a notable place in American Civil War history. The US government made a contract for 25,000 of these revolvers to be made during the US Civil war.
Manufactured by the Starr Arms Company, it represents an evolution in firearms design during the mid-19th century and was widely used by Union forces during the conflict.
The serial numbering was a continuance of the Starr Double Action revolvers, with these single actions going into the 60,000 range, this revolver is numbered 36573. On the right of the revolver it is marked ‘Starr Arms co, New York’.
~ Condition ~
The revolver is in good condition for the age and only has a few scratches and dishes. The revolver’s functions are still in good shape, it can be dissembled.
~ Dimensions ~
The barrel length is 7 inches (18 cm) with an overall length of the revolver of 13 inches (33cm)
Historical Context
Starr Arms Company:
Founded by Ebenezer Starr, the Starr Arms Company was a prominent firearms manufacturer during the Civil War.
The company produced both double-action and single-action revolvers, with the single-action model introduced in 1863 as a simplified and more cost-effective alternative to its double-action predecessor.
Civil War Use:
The Starr Single Action revolver was adopted by the Union Army due to its reliability and ruggedness.
Approximately 25,000 units were purchased by the U.S. government during the war, making it the third most widely issued revolver for Union troops, following the Colt and Remington revolvers.
It was favored for its simplicity compared to the double-action model, which was more complex and expensive to produce.
Post-War Legacy:
After the Civil War, the Starr revolver saw limited use as metallic cartridge revolvers became the standard.
Many were sold as surplus or converted to fire metallic cartridges.
Description of the Starr Single Action Army Revolver
Caliber:
Chambered for .44 caliber, a common choice for military revolvers of the era, delivering substantial stopping power.
Action:
Single-action mechanism: The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot, providing a lighter and more consistent trigger pull compared to the double-action model.
Barrel:
Barrel length: Typically 8 inches, contributing to its accuracy at range.
Octagonal barrel design, a common feature of the period, offering structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
Cylinder:
6-shot cylinder, loaded with loose black powder, a lead ball or conical bullet, and a percussion cap for ignition.
The cylinder could be removed for cleaning or reloading, though reloading individual chambers was standard in the field.
Construction:
Frame: Made of iron, with a robust design to handle the pressures of black powder loads.
Grips: Walnut grips, often varnished, providing a comfortable and secure hold.
Sights:
Simple front blade sight with a rear notch integrated into the hammer, typical of percussion revolvers of the era.
Markings:
The revolver would bear the manufacturer’s name, “STARR ARMS CO. NEW YORK,” along with patent dates and potentially a government inspector’s cartouche on the grips or frame, indicating military acceptance.
Significance and Legacy
Military Use:
The Starr Single Action was a reliable sidearm for Union cavalry and officers, valued for its durability and ease of use.
It contributed to the Union's logistical advantage by supplementing the more widely issued Colt and Remington revolvers.
Design Evolution:
The single-action design addressed criticisms of the Starr double-action revolver, which was seen as overly complex for mass production and field maintenance.
Collectibility:
The Starr Single Action Army Revolver is a sought-after collector's item, particularly for Civil War enthusiasts.
Its value depends on condition, provenance, and markings, with government-issued models often commanding higher prices,
