Issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War, this weapon is a good example of a Starr carbine, a breech loading, .54 caliber, and percussion model weapon produced by the Starr Arms Company of Yonkers, New York. The Starr carbine resembled the more famous ‘Sharps’ breechloader carbine of the time but the Union cavalrymen did not think highly of the Starr as they did the Sharps. The first shipment of 1000 Starr percussion carbines was delivered to the Ordnance Dept in September 1863, and in total over 20,000 such weapons were purchased by the US government.

Manufactured between 1862 and 1865, the Starr percussion carbines were all .54 caliber breechloaders fitted with 21” long, round tapered barrels. The carbine employed a split breech, dropping block mechanism that allowed the trooper to insert a linen cased cartridge into the barrel breech chamber for loading. Upward motion of the operating lever / trigger closed the breech, and ignition was activated with the striking of the percussion cap by the external hammer. The weapon measured 37½” long and weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. The iron lockplate and frame were casehardened and the barrel blued.

This original specimen carbine bears serial #6579 and features a two-piece black walnut stock with an 8” long fore-end secured by a single brass barrel band. Has a 14½” long buttstock with a sub-inspector marked brass buttplate. No case colors remain and the barrel wears a light plum patina with scattered pinprick rusting. Maker stampings on the obverse side of the iron lockplate are clear and read, “STARR ARMS CO. / YONKERS, N.Y.” in two lines. Barrel surface has a thin, one-line marked “STARR ARMS CO. YONKERS, N.Y.” in front of the rear sight. Receiver tang back of hammer is stamped with a thin “STARR’S PATENT / SEPT. 14^th 1858”. A single iron sling ring is mounted on the left side of the receiver. Small screw below ring is missing. Mechanics crisp and bore is very good & will clean up to well. Wood has acquired its normal share of dings and surface nicks. No cracks or inspector cartouches visible. Carbine frame screws are not buggered up. A representative percussion carbine carried by Union cavalry and also one of only three or four types of Civil War rimfire carbines to emerge as by war’s end.

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