Issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War, this weapon is a very fine example of the Starr carbine, a breech loading, .54 caliber, percussion shortarm produced by the Starr Arms Company of Yonkers, New York.

This veteran of the war is identified to Company K, 1^st Arkansas Cavalry regiment via small letter / numeral stampings on the top area of the barrel breech with “1 / A R K / K” in sharp distinct markings. Also, the stamping “STARR ARMS YONKERS N.Y.” appears on the top of barrel between rear sight and barrel band. 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 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 bears serial # 126093 and features a two-piece black walnut stock; an 8½” long forestock secured to barrel by a single brass barrel band. Carbine has a 14½” long shoulder stock with a sub-inspector marked brass buttplate. All brass has been cleaned to shiny bright. No case colors remain on the gun metal. Barrel wears a dark gray / black patina with scattered, moderate rust pitting near muzzle and at forestock area.

Maker stampings on the obverse side of the iron lockplate are sharp and read, “STARR ARMS CO. / YONKERS, N.Y. /. in two lines. Sub-inspector marks of “H D L” appear stamped on the left side barrel breech adjacent to the fore-end. Forward area of lock tang stamped with “Starr’s Patent / Sept. 14^th 1858”. A single, iron, sling ring is staple-mounted on the left side of the breech area. Carbine mechanics are crisp and the bore is very good, will clean up to excellent. Original single leaf rear sight slightly modified as has the original front sight. Wood acquired its share of dings and surface nicks, but has not been cleaned and exhibits no repairs or cracks. Stock does exhibits an impressive indentation on left shoulder area of saddle ring wear. No cartouches visible. Carbine frame screws are not buggered up.

A fine, representative Starr carbine carried by Union cavalry. One of only four types of Civil War shortarms to emerge as a rimfire weapon at war’s end.

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