This is a nicely identified Starr marked 1 / ARK / G on the top of the breech indicating service in Co. G of the 1^st (U.S.) Arkansas Cavalry. Regimental inventories in the Summer and Fall of 1864 show 1,023 Starr carbines in the hands of the regiment, which had been raised in 1862 and was extremely active, serving in the Department of Missouri, Department of Arkansas, and the Army of the Frontier from June 1862 to August 1865, and having a record of scores of expeditions, scouts, and engagements. In 1864-65 alone, the time frame for this carbine, their service included, operations in Northwest Arkansas, Newton, Searcy, Izard and Carroll Counties, against guerrillas January 16-February 15, 1864. Expedition against Freeman's Forces February 12-20. Skirmishes on Arkansas River and near Prairie Grove April 6-7. Rhea's Mills April 7. Washington May 28. Van Buren July 7. Operations in Central Arkansas August 9-15. Expedition in Washington and Benton Counties August 21-27. Scout from Fayetteville to Huntsville September 12-15. Skirmishes, Barry County, October 8 & 18. Fayetteville October 14. Crawford County October 19.  Benton County. October 20. Fayetteville and Van Buren October 20. Operations about Fayetteville October 25- November 4, and were even involved in a skirmish near Van Buren on April 2, 1865.

The first Starr carbines were directly purchased by the army in June 1863 and deliveries on contract commenced in September, totaling 20,601 by the end of October 1864. The carbine is .54 caliber, percussion, with a dropping breach, similar in action to the Sharps, and fitted with brass buttplate and barrel band. All the iron parts were blued with lock and frame casehardened. The left frame is fitted with a fixed sling ring.

The carbine rates good for condition: complete, but showing field use by a very active unit. The markings are good. The lock is stamped, STARR ARMS CO/ YONKERS. N.Y.; the barrel: STARR ARMS CO YONKERS, N.Y; and the breech STARR’S PATENT / SEPT. 14^th 1858. The breechblock is serial numbered 12687, giving it a likely delivery of March or April 1864 by McAulay’s tables. The regimental and company stamps, locally applied, are not a neatly done, but are fully legible. Both sights are in place. The barrel is smooth metal, showing a thin brown. The rear sight shows shallow pitting and crustiness. There are a few dings on the breech, a couple touching “R” and “G” of the regimental/company marking, and there is some light pitting on the top of breechblock. The receiver and lock are smooth and show a mix of gray and brown, the brown stronger on the lock. The brass has an untouched, aged tone. There are some dings on the shoulder of the buttplate.

The wood has various dings and scratches, with a small piece missing on the toe of the buttstock and upper left wrist at the frame, with some chipping on the underside of the forestock at the receiver. No cartouches are visible and there are shrinkage gaps to the buttstock at the frame. For all that, these are things resulting from active campaigning in a harsh environment by a regiment that seems to have gotten little rest and even less chance for refitting or maintenance. We would not change or try to improve anything about it. The bore has good rifling, though with some pitting. The mechanics are good. Just the catch for the lever could use a slight adjustment: a bump will let the lever fall. This is a real veteran and would fit a display devoted to western cavalry or the 1^st Arkansas in particular, as well as showing the rigors of campaigning experienced by Union cavalry as it came into own.  [sr] [ph:L]

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