Collectible Starr Model 1863 US Army .44 Caliber Single-Action Black Powder Revolver

Starr Revolver – Single Action 1863 Army

Manufacture: 1863–65 – Caliber: .44 Black Powder – Feature: Untouched condition

History

In September 1863, the Ordnance Department requested that the Starr Arms Company design a revolver that was simpler and more economical than its previous double-action model, which was deemed too complex and costly for wartime production. The result was the Starr Model 1863 Single Action, a robust .44 caliber revolver featuring an 8-inch barrel. Following successful, rigorous testing, the federal government ordered 25,000 units to equip Union troops during the Civil War.

The single-action Starr 1863 revolver is distinguished by its massive, exceptionally solid construction, capable of withstanding powerful military loads. Its design differs from contemporary Colt and Remington models: it features a system allowing for the rapid removal of the cylinder by extracting the arbor, thereby facilitating field maintenance. Designed specifically for military use, the Starr 1863 saw extensive service during the Civil War and continued to be used during the early campaigns of the Indian Wars. Despite the success of its military contracts, the Starr company did not survive the post-war economic upheaval and ceased operations in 1867.

Our model

This issued Starr Model 1863 Single Action revolver remains in excellent original condition. The metal parts display a uniform patina, ranging from a dark gunmetal finish to lighter shades on the frame. Patent and address markings are clearly visible on the frame, alongside several inspector’s marks found on various components and the cylinder. Serial number 55XXX appears on the frame, barrel, and cylinder, confirming the integrity and matching nature of this specimen. The wooden grip is in good overall condition; while there is a small chip at the base—which has no structural impact—it remains visually consistent with the rest of the firearm.

The mechanism remains sound and fully functional: the action is crisp and smooth, the trigger pull is light, and cylinder indexing is precise. There is no perceptible barrel-cylinder gap, and the cylinder exhibits only the very slight play typical of a firearm of this age. The .44-caliber, 8-inch barrel retains a clean, satin-finish bore with sharp, well-defined rifling, showing only minor signs of use that do not affect its accuracy potential.

This military-issue Starr 1863 revolver—a direct witness to the Civil War and the subsequent Indian Wars—is a significant historical piece and a highly desirable addition to any collection of 19th-century American firearms.

The firearm comes with an official classification certificate (Category D) issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.