Starr Arms Co. manufactured approximately 20,601 of these carbines during the Civil War. Features standard blade front and two-leaf rear sights, inspection initials "H.G.S" on the left of the breech, two boxed script "STB" (Samuel T. Bugbee) inspection cartouches on the left wrist of the stock, and "L.A.B." (Lester A. Beardslee) inspection initials ahead of the buttplate tang. Serial number "19710" on the right of the breech block, and likely matching numbered underneath the barrel, but no disassembly was performed out of respect for the immaculate condition of this carbine. This spectacular Starr percussion carbine is one of finest few surviving examples of its kind today, with some of the only known close comparables recently sold by Rock Island Auction (auction 85, lot 1056 and auction 86, lot 1114). When it rains it pours, and although Rock Island Auction Company recently sold another spectacular example of a Starr carbine, we are very fortunate to have the rare privilege to offer this example as well. We want to emphasize that Starr carbines almost never turn up in this condition, and this is one of the top few examples left in existence!

Excellent plus, nearly as issued. Retains 98% plus original blue and vivid casehardened finishes. All markings in the metal are sharp. There is no flash-pitting. Brass retains an attractive golden patina with a patch of dings on the left of the barrel band. Wood is also excellent with attractive raised grain and rich oil finish, defined edges, a faint outline of what was likely a painted circle on the left of the buttstock, a few horizontal cracks visible at the toe, some light handling marks and dents, and crisp inspection stampings. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the top few finest examples Rock Island Auction Company has had the pleasure of bringing to auction, and this near new Starr carbine, nearly impossible to improve upon, would make an excellent addition to any Civil War or U.S. martial collection!