Mid 19th Century U.S. Starr Arms Percussion Cap 0.44" Calibre (Army Model) Revolver With Martial Stamps
A handsome and well known percussion cap revolver from the American Civil War (although not loved by the troops it seems).
The steelwork is smooth with elements of light pitting in places, but with its even dark grey patina looks great.
It has matching serial numbers of 13889 on the frame just below the loading lever, on the cylinder and (after checking online) in the hammer recess once it has been cocked.
There is a "C" inspection stamp on the barrel and cylinder and the letter "F" also appears on the barrel and twice on the frame behind the cylinder on the left side.
On the right side of the one piece grip is a very faint cartouche stamp (barely visible) and on the left is a very heavy stamp which appears to have a date and words on three lines.
I've done the best I can with photos of this stamp, but the top line looks like "C.S Army or Arsenal? It shouldn't do as this was a Union pistol. Very strange or more likely......I'm just reading it wrong!
The action is crisp and works correctly and is another weird one like the Savage or Tranter Revolvers. The trigger revolves the cylinder and engages the hammer, it is not until the trigger reaches and depresses the small 'spur' trigger at the back of the trigger guard that the hammer is released. Maybe it was this that made this revolver so unpopular as it does seem to be very well built.
A famous quote from a Soldier serving in the 12th Kentucky criticised it thus;
"The man who sold these pistols to the Government, and the Contractor who brought them out ought to be hanged as traitors". Unlike me he obviously wasn't a fan!
A handsome and sought after piece.
Barrel length 15cm, Overall length 29.5cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
