American Civil War Period Starr Percussion Carbine Cal.54

~ American Civil War Period Starr Percussion Carbine Cal.54 ~

The piece has a 21 inch round barrel and a sling ring on left-hand side of the breech. Smooth mottled brown barrel and frame with lock showing bright case colours.
No cartouche visible on the stock. Metal weathered to brown with surface residue and patches of fine pinpricks on the frame. The bore is dark and moderately spotted, the nipple is removable.
Action good and crisp. Chip in the barrel at the base of the cartridge receiver. Clear address on right-hand side of breech ‘STARR ARMS Co YONKERS. N.Y. Behind trigger: STARRS PATENT SEPT 14th 1858. Partial very feint barrel address (just in front of sight) with STARR ARMS Co visible (YONKERS N.Y. worn off).

Approximately 20601 Starr carbines were purchased by the Ordnance Department during the Civil War. On 27 Nov 1861 Starr offered to manufacture initial 10,000 carbines for the government for delivery within 12 months. Factory construction, orders for other arms and other delays delayed the production of these. The first shipment of 600 was delivered on July 10, 1863. It’s possible that with a SN of 183 this Starr Carbine is one of the first shipments and was manufactured in 1862 or 1863.

~ Condition ~

The piece is in very good overall condition. It half cocks, cocks and releases as it should.

G37BFI0