Manufactured by the Starr Arms Co. of New York, New York, in 1863-1865 as part of a 25,000 revolver contract for the U.S. Ordnance Department. Another 7,000 are believed to have been manufactured for the commercial market. The Starr revolvers as a group were the third most widely used revolvers of the war after Colt and Remington. The Model 1863 was manufactured upon the request of the Ordnance Department for a simpler and less expensive single action only version of Starr's innovative double action design. It has the standard markings and features and is marked with inspector cartouches on each side of the grip.

Fine with 60% original blue finish, 40% original case colors on the hammer and loading lever, strong original niter blue on the trigger, patches of mild pitting, various marks and scratches, and mostly gray patina in the faded areas. The grip is fine and has moderate handling wear, a series of dents on the butt, and general mild scrapes and dings. Mechanically excellent.