An estimated 23,000 of these revolvers were manufactured in the late 1850s and early 1860s; most were purchased by the U.S. Government, and along with the Starr Model 1863 revolver, are consider the third most widely used revolvers by Union forces during the Civil War, following only Colt and Remington. During the war years and after the Colt factory fire, production shifted, upon government request, to the less expensive and more reliable single action Model 1863. This example has the standard "STARR. ARMS. Co. NEW. YORK." address on left side of frame and "STARR'S PATENT JAN. 15, 1856" on the right. The serial numbers throughout match, and there are small Ordnance Department inspection marks on several components. The revolver is fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip with a "BH" ( Benjamin Hannis) cartouche on the right and double struck "RHKW" (Robert Henry Kirkland Whiteley) on the left.

Very fine, retains 70% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish and 60% of the original case colors on the hammer and loading lever with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some minor vise marks on the sides of the frame at the breech. The grip is also very fine with a few minor handling marks and crisp cartouches. Mechanically functions fine.