Issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War, this weapon is a good example of a Starr carbine, a breech loading, .54 caliber, percussion model weapon produced by the Starr Arms Company of Yonkers, New York. The Starr carbine resembled the more famous ‘Sharps’ carbine of the time but the Union cavalrymen did not think as 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, drop block mechanism that allowed the trooper to insert a linen cased cartridge into the chamber of the breech for loading. Upward motion of the operating lever / triggerguard closed the breech, and ignition was activated with the striking of a 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 #8550 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 brass buttplate. Slight case colors remain on the lock and the barrel wears a light plum patina. Maker stampings on the iron lockplate are clear and read, “STARR ARMS CO. / YONKERS, N.Y.” in two lines. Barrel surface has no visible markings. No markings on barrel tang. The top of the breech in area of the nipple is heavily pitted. A sure sign of heavy use or lack of care. A single iron sling ring is mounted on the left side of the receiver. Mechanics crisp and bore has good riling but is very dirty and needs cleaned. Wood has acquired its normal share of dings and surface nicks. No cracks or inspector cartouches visible. Carbine frame screws are buggered up.

This is 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.  [ad]

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