Issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War, this weapon is a good example. Manufactured between 1862 and 1865, the Starr percussion carbines were all .54 caliber breechloaders fitted with 21” long, round tapered barrel. 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. 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.

The barrel on this Starr is turning a plumb brown with some brighter metal showing at the midpoint. It has the proper rear and front sights. Stamped just forward of the rear sight is a very readable mark of “STARR ARMS Co. YONKERS, N.Y.” Bore has light surface dirt and good rifling. Barrel is held to the forearm by a single brass barrel band.

Only a slight hint of the case colors remain on the lock and receiver. Maker stampings on the lockplate are crisp and read, “STARR ARMS CO. / YONKERS, N.Y.” in two lines. Receiver tang back of hammer is stamped with “STARR’S PATENT / SEPT. 14th 1858”. Mechanics are crisp. Breech block bears serial number 11381. Original nipple is present. Sling ring attached to the left side of the receiver.

Forearm has quite a few small dings and surface nicks but is otherwise solid. The wood surface is darker than the butt. Buttplate is brass and the wood surface shows numerous indentations and scratches. There is a letter “H” carved into the wood at top, forward of the buttplate tang. This same area has a replaced sliver of wood that is lighter than the rest of the butt. Forward edge of comb has old chip. There is another sliver of wood replaced around the tip of the receiver tang and another “H” is carved at the bottom of the butt. No inspector cartouches are visible. Frame screws are good, others show light wear. No cracks are visible. In the wrist area, just above both sides of the triggerguard, there is a 4.00 inch long section of replaced wood. It should be noted that all the sections of replaced wood were expertly done and only the slight difference in wood color reveals that work was done. The joints between the old and new wood is flawless.  [ad] [ph:L]

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