Introduced in 1858, the Starr Double Action was procured by the U.S. Government circa 1861-1862, with the Ordnance Department acquiring the lion's share (1902 out of approximately 3000) in 44 caliber for use by the Army. While the Navy did successfully order 60 directly, the bulk of their Starr Revolvers were purchased via commercial markets and as such, lack ordnance inspection markings. 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 have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece grip is oil finished walnut. The round barrel has a dove-tail mounted, iron 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. NEW YORK." below the cylinder. The opposite side of the frame is roll-stamped: "STARR'S PATENT JAN. 15, 1856." in one line. The serial number, "1786" is stamped on the side of the cylinder and in the frame hammer slot. The revolver has no Ordnance Department or U.S. Navy final inspection or sub-inspection marks. The numbers "87" and "189" have been added to the front strap in yellow paint. Originally in the Stagecoach Gun Museum collection as inventory number 281 and pictured in the book of collection on page 136.

Very fine. The revolver retains 80% plus of the original blue and casehardened finish and shows little, if any, firing wear. The high polish blue finish shows some flaking on the right side of the barrel, the cylinder and the bottom of the trigger guard. The finish has flaked off the grip straps which have a smooth gray patina. The loading lever, hammer and trigger retain nearly all of the original finish with strong case colors. The one-piece grip is in very good overall condition with several small chips and dents in the left heel and a number of minor handling marks. The front and rear face of the cylinder and the percussion nipples show no flash pitting. This is a very good example of a scarce, limited production, Civil War revolver.