Civil War Starr Percussion Carbine

Description

The Starr Arms Company, of Yonkers, New York, made 20,601 of these breech-loading
percussion carbines between 1862 and 1865. The inventor, Ebenezer T. Starr, was the son
of gunmaker Nathan Starr, Jr. In government tests it was judged as being better than the
Sharps. It featured a 21″ round .54 caliber barrel, the top stamped “STARR ARMS Co.
YONKERS, N.Y.”. Two-position rear sight and dovetailed blade front sight. The breech
block was operated by pulling down the combination trigger guard/loading lever, which
lowered and tipped it back to allow the insertion of a new cartridge. The lockplate is
stamped “STARR ARMS Co./YONKERS, N.Y.” and the breech is stamped “STARR’S
PATENT/SEPT. 14th 1858″. Breech block serial numbered “20015″. Frame with sling ring
on left side. Walnut stocks with brass butt plate and barrel band; no visible inspector
marks. Metal retains traces of original bluing, with light pitting; all markings readable. The
stock sound, without cracks, but with a few shallow dents and scratches. Rifling shows
wear, but visible over its entire length. Mechanically excellent. Overall length 38 3/8″. Most
of these were issued to Union cavalry regiments in the Western Theater, including the 1st
Arkansas, 5th Kansas, 11th Missouri, and 24th New York.