CIVIL WAR STARR CARBINE USED BY THE 1ST ARKANSAS CAVALRY (US), COMPANY C

CIVIL WAR STARR CARBINE USED BY THE 1ST ARKANSAS CAVALRY (US), COMPANY C

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$2,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2025-3696

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About 20,000 of these Starr percussion Carbines in .54 Caliber were bought by the Union during the Civil War and subsequently issued to Western troops. This weapon has a dropping breach, similar in action to the Sharps. Government tests rated the Starr carbine as better than the Sharps. The Starr Arms Company Factory in Yonkers, NY produced the carbine. They were brass mounted with a brass butt plate and barrel band. All the iron parts were blued with case –hardened lock and frame. The lock is marked STARR ARMS CO/ YONKERS. N.Y. The barrel is stamped STARR ARMS CO YONKERS, N.Y and the breach is stamped STARR’S PATENT / SEPT. 14th 1858.

This carbine has a dark grey patina on all the iron parts. All the stampings are crisp and clear including the 1 / ARK / C stamped on the top of the breech. Inspector mark ‘B” is on the tang of the butt plate and a “B” on the side of the rear sight. Serial number is 11374, shown on the side of the open breech block. The screws show average use. The rear underside tang screw has been period replaced with a solid copper wood screw version. The front lock plate screw under the saddle ring is missing. The walnut stock has nicks and scratches from normal age and handling. No visible cartouche in the wood. An approximate 3/8 inch “H” stamp, with serifs on the bottom legs, is stamped on the rear stock near the left butt plate. The left side of the butt stock also shows a distinct line of dings about midway, being the result of the upper edge of the shoulder sling swivel coming in contact with the wood.  As with most soft brass butt plates, the toe portion is slightly bent up, causing about ½ inch of wood to chip off. The wood all has a dark patina, indicating the chip occurred during period of use. The bore has good rifling but, is dirty. The action is mechanically perfect and the hammer holds tight at the cock position.

Ten thousand men form Arkansas served in the Union Army. The First Arkansas Cavalry was the most famous of them, sometimes called the Mountain Yankees. Just as was the case with neighboring Missouri and Alabama (and, indeed, with all Southern states), the mountain areas were strongest for the Union. In 1862, a group of men from Arkansas showed up to enlist in the 6th Missouri, and it was decided to raise a separate regiment of Cavalry from Arkansas. The 1st Arkansas Cavalry was the result.

The Union military governor of Arkansas favored mustering Union-supporting Arkansans into the army and the 1st Arkansas Cavalry was raised at Springfield, Missouri in the spring of 1862. In its first battle, the Battle of Prairie Grove, in December 1862, the unit performed poorly. A sudden Confederate attack routed two Missouri cavalry regiments in route to the ranks of the 1st Arkansas, which was swept up by the panicked Missouri soldiers fleeing to the rear.

The unit was ordered to the garrison at Fayetteville following the embarrassment. The garrison was attacked in April where both sides were comprised of Arkansans. The three-hour battle ended with a Confederate retreat as the Union troops held the line against a Confederate charge. The victory was a boost for Union morale in the state.

An equipment shortage forced the 1st Arkansas to evacuate the Fayetteville garrison for a short time. Upon returning the unit escorted wagon trains, conducted patrols and skirmished with guerrillas daily. The 1st Arkansas Cavalry mustered out of the Union army in August, 1865 with a loss of 345 of the 1,765 men who served.

A period well-worn example of a western theater action civil war carbine. [stp][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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