This is a magnificent example and unquestionably one of the finest double action .44 caliber revolvers manufactured by the Starr Arms Co., of New York, New York, c.1863. The revolver has the Starr high polish blue finish with color casehardened loading lever, hammer and trigger and one-piece oil finished walnut grip. 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." Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The serial number, "20059" is stamped on the side of the cylinder. An oval brass plate inlaid in the lower left side of the grip is inscribed: "To/Abner". An identical brass plate on the lower right side of the grip is inscribed: "From/Sarah/1864". The edges of both plates are engraved with open scrollwork. The plates are located in the same position on the grip as the Ordnance final inspector's and sub-inspector marks on U.S. contract arms. The revolver is accompanied by what appears to be an original Kidder mahogany case which lacks the patent dates but features the reinforced brass corners with five compartments lined with purple velvet. The case contains a small powder flask with fixed charger and leather covered body marked: "W.BARTRAM" on the top, tin of 100 Goldmark percussion caps manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., unmarked, single cavity bullet mold with wooden handle and iron sprue cutter and several .44 caliber conical lead bullets. This revolver was formerly in the Robert Howard collection.

Excellent. The revolver retains at least 95% of the original high polish blue finish on the barrel, frame and cylinder. Wear on these components is limited to minor handling and storage marks typical of revolvers whom have spent their entire existence in a case. The blue finish on the trigger guard, grip strap and back strap shows moderate handling wear. The hammer and loading lever retain 95% of the beautiful original deep case hardened finish with strong and vibrant case colors. The grip grips are very good with period jeweler applied presentation plaques. The brass presentation plates have an attractive patina. The case is in very good condition with a small repaired crack in the lower right corner. The lining is slightly faded and has some stains and compression marks from contact with the revolver cylinder. The flask is in excellent condition; most of the gold plated finish on the top and niter blue finish on the spring are intact and the leather cover on the flask body shows minimal wear. The percussion cap tin is in excellent condition. The mold is in fair condition; the spruce cutter stop pin is missing and the mold body, sprue cutter and handle show heavy wear. This is an excellent Starr Model 1858 double action revolver that is rarely encountered as a cased presentation piece.