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 has the naval anchor marking on the barrel lug indicating it may have seen naval service 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 left 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 "21125" is stamped on the barrel lug, side of the cylinder, in the frame hammer slot, and on the underside of the hammer. "B" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. Lt. Commander Lester A. Beardslee's "LAB" cartouche is stamped on the left side of the grip at the bottom. The right side has an "RKW" cartouche at the top (likely the mark of Captain Robert Henry Kirkland Whitely) and a third unknown cartouche at the bottom.

Fine. 30% of the original blue finish remains with the balance primarily a brown patina with brighter sections and scattered spotting and dings. There is a faint cylinder drag line. The fine grip has crisp cartouches and mild dings. Mechanically functions fine on single action using rear trigger although the primary trigger currently does not reach the secondary for double action.