Starr Arms US Army – .44 Caliber Black Powder Single Action Model 1863 – Civil War Collector’s Piece

Starr Revolver – Single Action 1863 Army

Manufacture: 1863–1865 – Caliber: .44 Black Powder – Features: Mirror-finish bore, vintage re-bluing

Restored some time ago while preserving its original appearance, this Starr Model 1863 Single Action revolver remains in excellent condition, featuring remarkable mechanical function and a mirror-finish bore—a rarity for a Civil War-era military revolver.

History

In September 1863, the Ordnance Department asked the Starr Arms Company to develop a revolver that was simpler and less expensive than its previous double-action model, which was deemed too complex for wartime production. The result was the Starr Model 1863 Single Action, a robust .44 caliber revolver featuring an 8-inch barrel. Following successful trials, the federal government ordered 25,000 units to equip Union troops during the Civil War. The Starr 1863 is distinguished by its exceptionally sturdy design, capable of withstanding heavy standard black powder loads. Unlike contemporary Colt and Remington models, it utilizes a unique system allowing for the rapid removal of the cylinder by extracting its axis pin, thereby facilitating field maintenance. Highly appreciated by Union troops, the revolver also saw service during the early campaigns of the Indian Wars. Despite significant military contracts, the Starr Arms Company ceased operations in 1867, a few years after the conflict ended.

Our Model

This Starr Model 1863 Single Action underwent a vintage restoration featuring a deep blue finish, faithful to the appearance of period-correct finishes. The metal parts retain virtually all of their original blued finish, accompanied by a light patina that naturally attests to the weapon's age. Patent and address markings on the frame remain crisp and perfectly legible. Various military inspector's marks are also present on several components of the firearm as well as on the cylinder. The serial number (23XXX) matches across the frame, barrel, and cylinder, guaranteeing the authenticity and integrity of this specimen. The walnut grip is in an excellent state of preservation and retains much of its military inspection stamp (or "cartouche"), a feature often lost on firearms from this era.

The mechanical condition is remarkable: the lock-up is very tight, there is no play, the cylinder gap is extremely narrow, indexing is perfect, and the action is strong with a crisp hammer fall. The quick-disassembly system unique to Starr revolvers functions flawlessly. The nipples appear to be in very good condition. The standard-issue 8-inch barrel, chambered for .44 caliber black powder, features an exceptionally well-preserved bore—mirror-bright with deep, uniform rifling and only slight signs of use. Such a condition is rarely encountered in a military revolver over 160 years old.

This Starr Model 1863 Single Action is a genuine artifact of the American Civil War. Its excellent mechanical condition, the quality of its vintage restoration, and its remarkable barrel make it a prime piece for a collection of 19th-century American military firearms, while it remains perfectly suitable for black powder shooting.

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