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SINGLE ACTION STARR M1863 “IMPROVED ARMY” REVOLVER

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Starr revolvers were surpassed in production numbers only by Colt and Remington during the Civil War and are thus a key piece in Civil War revolver or cavalry collection. In fact, along with Remington, Starr dominated US revolver purchases starting in 1864 after US Ordnance baulked at Colt’s pricing. This is one of Starr’s Model 1863 Improved Army Revolvers, six-shot and .44 Caliber like its Model 1858 predecessor, but using a longer 8” barrel and using a single-action mechanism, which seems a technological step backwards from their double-action M1858, but simplified the mechanics, lowered production cost and sales price ($12 apiece versus $20 for the old double action, reduced from $25,) and maintenance issues in the field, though they still met mixed reviews. A contract for 25,000 was signed in September 1863, with the first delivery made in December 1863 and the contract was completed in December 1864 with a total of 25,002 delivered to the government out of a total estimated production of 32,000, with serial numbers running from the low 23000 range to the upper 55000 range. Given those numbers and recorded government deliveries, this one, number 30,431 likely dates no later than April or May 1864.

This has all original parts, good markings, and no original finish, which would rate it a very good on antique arms scale, but has been re-blued and the triggerguard plated. Serial number 30431 is clear on the cylinder and frame, with a little rubbing to the cylinder number. The “STARR ARMS CO., NEW YORK” stamp on the left side of the frame is sharp and the “STARR’S PATENT JAN. 15, 1856” is on the right side shows just some rubbing to the final two digits of the date. Small, single letter factory sub-inspector initials are visible on various parts. The metal shows a little scattered, shallow pitting under the blue. The grips have a good fit, but show handling marks- scratches and dings, with wear and chips around the bottom edge and small dings on butt. They were clearly dressed up but not heavily refinished, we see the outlines of a rectangular inspector’s cartouche on the left grip at bottom. Re-bluing on a Starr is not that unusual. The factory blue is notoriously subject to flaking and uneven wear, leaving many with a blotchy appearance. In this case the owner went one step further and copper or brass plated the triggerguard as well, giving it a subdued gold tone.  Mechanics function well. Bore slightly dusty.

Ordnance records do not usually distinguish between the M1858 and M1863 Starr pistols as issued to specific units, but McAulay records more than forty regiments armed in whole or in part with Starr pistols at some point in their service. Despite the large production numbers, however, they are not all that common. Thousands made their way west from surplus sales after the war and tens of thousands were sold to France in the Franco-Prussian War. Even Germany appears to have acquired some.  [sr][ph:m]

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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