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SCARCE M1858 STARR CARBINE

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Between 1861 and 1864 over 20,000 percussion model carbines were produced by the Starr Arms Company. This Starr is a .54 caliber with a barrel length of 21 inches and an overall length of 37.65”.  Well received by ordnance officers, they found it well machined and it outperformed Sharps in government testing. The breechblock pivots away from the barrel when lowered and has a locking wedge that supported the block from the rear that locked it firmly into the frame.

During testing the Starr was found to be accurate at 600 yards and its moving parts continued to work well after firing 100 rounds. Another test showed the carbine to be accurate and operate well at 350 yards, firing 40 rounds. In the field, the Starr carbine received mixed reviews, with it being called “a superior arm” to “worthless.” Most of the complaints involved failure to fire.

The Starr and the Sharps carbine looked similar, so Ordnance officers ordered the same ammunition for the guns. The Sharps was the second-most issued carbine in the Union arsenal so its ammo was ordered and issued.  Unfortunately, the Sharps Carbine cartridge was shorter than the Starr cartridge so the cap often wouldn’t ignite in the Starr. The issue was quickly addressed and the proper ammunition was issued in late 1863 and through the end of the war, but the early poor reviews stuck with the carbine’s reputation. Through no fault of its own, the Starr earned a bad reputation because of the improper ammunition ordered early in its use.  By the end of the war, the Starr Carbine was being converted from percussion to metallic cartridges by changing the breechblock, hammer and barrel. Five thousand converted Starr carbines were ordered and some issued to the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry in spring, 1865.

Inspector’s initials “H.G.S.” can be clearly seen on the side of the barrel. The serial number “8405” is clearly stamped and while all mechanics are strong, this carbine needs a new firing pin for full functionality. The barrel is bright with a somewhat dull bore, but the rifling remains very strong.  The top is stamped with a roll mark that reads “STARR ARMS CO. YONKERS N.Y.”.  Just to the rear of the breach, the carbine is stamped “STARR’S PATENT SEPT. 14 1856”.  All brass furniture shines with a nice, mellow hue and all parts boast sub inspector letter markings. There is some light oxidation in the breech from firing, blended with trace elements of the original finish.  The wood stock is in good condition and features many creative carvings including “A 6”, “D A N”, “H”, and “A”.  The wood foregrip shows areas of wear but remains healthy and uncracked. All original varnish is present on the wood throughout.

Overall, this is a great opportunity to collect one of the more scarce cavalry arms of the Civil War.  [cm][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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