Product Description
1st ARKANSAS CIVIL WAR Antique STARR ARMS Co PERCUSSION Saddle Ring Carbine
Breech Loading Percussion UNION CAVALRY CARBINE
Here we present an antique Starr Arms Co. Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine, made circa 1862-65 in Yonkers, New York with the very desirable 1st Arkansas Union Cavalry marking. The Starr carbine was a breechloading single-shot rifle used by the United States Army. Designed in 1858, the Starr was primarily used by cavalry soldiers in the American Civil War. The Starr Arms Co. manufactured 20,601 of these breechloading percussion carbines between 1862 and 1865. Though most Starr carbines were issued to Western Theater Federal cavalry units during the American Civil War, they were also known to be in the hands of Confederate Soldiers. The style and function certainly reflect the more popular Sharps rifle and carbine. These carbines were known to have been issued, especially in the Western Theater, to the following units: 1st Arkansas, 5th Kansas, 11th Missouri, and 24th New York.
Ten thousand men from Arkansas served in the Union Army. The 1st Arkansas Cavalry was the most famous of them, sometimes call 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, with the result being the 1st Arkansas Cavalry. This example is clearly marked “1 / A R K / B” for 1st Arkansas Cavalry, Company “B”.
Overall, Eben T. Starr’s firearm designs made him quite successful during the Civil War, having provided the 3rd most .44 caliber revolvers and the 5th most carbines for the Union. In a conflict with so many different designs and cartridges in use at the same time, it is easy to overlook the Starr.
Although the Starr carbine had proven to be effective during the Civil War, it was not successful during the trials of 1865 by the U.S. Army Trials Board, and no further rifles were ordered. After the war had ended, and with no further government contracts, Starr could no longer compete with larger manufacturers like Winchester, Sharps, and Colt, and the company closed its doors in 1867.
The overall condition is fine. Original blue finish, case colors, and patina. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. The bore is shiny bright with sharp rifling. The walnut stock is solid. A great piece of Arkansas history!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 21 inches.
Caliber: .54 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$5215
#220571