This is one of 23,000 Starr Model 1858 Army revolvers manufactured in the late 1850s and early 1860s. These were among the most widely used double action revolvers of the Civil War, and Starr revolvers overall were the third most widely used by the Union during the war after Colts and Remingtons. This model was replaced with the simpler Model 1863 Army due to preferences for single action revolvers. They are difficult to find in high condition. This revolver has was made under government contract but is cased for a presentation or commercial sale. Perhaps it was given to a Union officer. It has the standard markings and features including inspector markings and cartouches. It includes a desirable brass cornered and W. Kidder marked hardwood case with floral embossed lining, a cap tin, brass conical bullet mold with wood handle and iron sprue cutter, and a T. Murcott brass powder flask. The percussion nipples have all been removed and are not included. Kidder cases are rare and highly sought after by collectors. While cased Starr revolvers on a whole are rare, it is these Kidder cases the known examples are generally found in. The patent on the case was assigned to Ari Davis (c. 1811-1855). He received patent 10,788 of April 18 for an "Improved Box Machine" described as "a machine for producing wooden boxes with metal-reinforced dovetailed corners" and that August received patent 11,415 for a magneto-electric machine. The rights were sold to Dr. Walter Kidder (1823-1872) of Lowell, Massachusetts, who also held a patent for a regulator for gas consumption and was involved in a contract for gunpowder for the Russian government that fell through. The boxes were initially used to house Davis/Davis & Krider's Patent Magneto-Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases, one of many quack medical inventions of the Victorian era that of course was not "a remedy for all diseases dependent on a faulty action of the nervous system." The electric machine patent was sold to William H. Burnap (1827-1905), Kidder's brother-in-law. When Kidder died in 1872, The New York Times noted that he was "a gentleman of considerable prominence as a physician and inventor..." An astute businessman, he clearly saw the potential for these cases for multiple applications, including revolvers. Many of the examples we have seen contain revolvers from the Civil War.

Very fine with 80% plus original high polish blue finish, 90% bright original case colors on the hammer, and crisp markings. The refinished grip is fine and has crisp cartouches, scratches, and a few minor handling marks. The trigger does not automatically reset, otherwise mechanically fine The case is fine with mild age and storage related wear. The accessories are very good. Overall, a very attractive Starr Model 1858 Army Revolver with desirable case and accessories.