Starr Carbine Identification

JimN

Private
Joined
Dec 3, 2014
Hi, I just picked up a Starr percussion carbine with inspectors initials on the sight and a serial number of 2005. Does anyone have access to information maybe from the SRS. I emailed the company (I forget their web address) to ask but they wouldn’t give me any info unless I paid a membership. Thanks for any help.

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Hi, thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it. I’ve always had a fondness for Starrs. I also like the looks of both their carbines and revolvers. I have an 1858 double action. And looking for a ‘63 single action. Thanks again
 
Hi, it’s also LAB. It also has other single letters on various parts on the metal of the gun. I can’t make out any cartouches on the stock. My 1858 revolver has clear cartouches on the handle. I don’t know if I’m looking at the right area of the stock to find them though. But it has heavy wear with carved initials not done very well
 
Welcome back. Nice Starr carbine. Approx. 20600 were made during the war. Guessing Spring of 1864 for DOB.The 1858 D.A. was made in .36 & .44, so you will want to add the missing one to your list along with the 1863 S.A. Revolver cartouches would appear low on the grips.
 
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Great looking Starr. Below is the range that plymouth was referring to. Keep in mind that if it isn't listed, it isn't listed and you can't read anything into to it. Also, here is a nice complete round from my collection.
1735 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1740 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1794 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1877 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1949 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
2156 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
2431 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
3158 64CO I 9TH PENNA CAV
3164 64CO H 14TH PENNA VOL CAV
3660 CO F 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
4061 65CO G 1ST COLORADO VOL CAV
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Welcome back. Nice Starr carbine. Approx. 20600 were made. Guessing Spring of 1864 for DOB.The 1858 D.A. was made in .36 & .44, so you will want to add the missing one to your list along with the 1863 S.A. Revolver cartouches would appear low on the grips.
Hi thanks for the reply. The revolver I have is a .44 double action so id need a .36 in that model. Yet the ‘63 single action is the one I’d like to purchase next. As for the cartouches, I can find them on the revolver but I’m not sure where they’d be stamped in the wood on the carbine. So out of 20600 made, you believe a serial number of 2005 was probably made that late in the war? I was thinking it would be earlier.
 
Great looking Starr. Below is the range that plymouth was referring to. Keep in mind that if it isn't listed, it isn't listed and you can't read anything into to it. Also, here is a nice complete round from my collection.
1735 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1740 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1794 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1877 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
1949 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
2156 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
2431 060164CO K 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
3158 64CO I 9TH PENNA CAV
3164 64CO H 14TH PENNA VOL CAV
3660 CO F 19TH PENNA VOL CAV
4061 65CO G 1ST COLORADO VOL CAV
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Thank you so much for that info. I really appreciate it.
 
Based on John McAulay's "Carbines of the Civil War" first shipment of 600 was July 10, 1863. There were 25602, but the last 5000 were in 1865 starting in March. Figuring some semblance of production order in those months from July,1863 Through August 1864 of the 20600 pieces is where I'm guessing, Actually yours probably would have been in Aug. of 1864 instead of Spring. Here are the cartouches on my Ser.#1353 Left Wrist. This is double stamped Flourished Script E F for Edward Flather and Block EF on left barrel in front of breech. The block letters are easy to read, but the flourished script can be a real challenge.
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Since yours is LAB in block letters on barrel, probably a good chance of script LAB on wrist in combination with STB in script for Samuel T. Bugbee also on wrist.
I’ve searched as well as I can and can’t find any cartouche. Maybe it was worn off because the stock isn’t in the best condition or maybe it was never there. But LAB is on the base of the barrel. Thanks for all your help
 
JimN

Interesting that your Starr carbine has carved initials on the stock----so does mine--the letter 'J'

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The letter 'B' on the buttplate tang---perhaps for 'Beardslee'

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Traces of a cartouche.

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JimN

Interesting that your Starr carbine has carved initials on the stock----so does mine--the letter 'J'

View attachment 382616

The letter 'B' on the buttplate tang---perhaps for 'Beardslee'

View attachment 382617

Traces of a cartouche.

View attachment 382618
I can't make yours out. I'm guessing you are getting LAB as Beardslee from the web page http://proofhouse.com/cm/us_inspector.htm. The book "U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks" by Anthony Daum and Charles Pate references it to L.A. Brown. He mentions Cmd. Lester A. Beardslee , in his service records, was on Sea Duty from 1856-1869. Shows no ordnance duties in his record.
Mine has some marking along with what looks like two auger marks. Butt plate top with F.
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