This revolver was manufactured by the Starr Arms Co. of New York, New York, c. 1858-1860. Between 1862 and 1864 the Ordnance Department purchased approximately 21,000 .44 caliber Starr D.A. revolvers. Many of these revolvers were issued to mid-western cavalry regiments, but this example may have seen naval service given that it has a naval anchor marking on the barrel lug. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, six-shot cylinder, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading lever, trigger and hammer are casehardened. The screws have a fire blue finish. The one piece grip is oil finished walnut. The round barrel has a dovetail mounted half-moon front sight. The rear sight is a groove in the hammer. The right side of the frame is roll stamped: "STARR ARMS. CO. NEW YORK." below the cylinder. The opposite side of the frame is roll stamped: "STARR'S PATENT JAN. 15, 1856." The serial number "1432" is stamped on the barrel lug, side of the cylinder, on the underside of the hammer, and in the frame hammer slot. "F" and "C" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. George K. Charter's "GKC" cartouche is stamped on both sides of the grip.

Fine. 60% plus of the original blue finish remains with the balance primarily a brown patina with some gray patina concentrated on the grip straps, and scattered spotting and dings. There is a bright cylinder drag line. The grips have crisp cartouches and mild dings. Mechanically functions fine although the primary trigger currently does not reach the secondary.