Starr carbine Illinois Cavalry

[Bugattimiller]

I've been offered a Starr carbine serial number 8515 and it looks to be in the range of carbines issued to the Illinois cavalry regiments. I have a Colt 1861 navy revolver carried by a 13th Illinois cavalryman and would like a representative Starr carbine. I have copies of the first 3 vols of Springfield Research Service serial number books but I don't have access to vol. 4 which I believe has records of some Strarr carbines. Does anyone have any information on serial number 8515 (inspector HGS on rear of barrel). I will post photos when I can get them.

 

[UCVRelics]

Looking forward to seeing your Starr carbine. Be sure to post photo of the serial# and we will see what we can find.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Just got a few photos of the Starr carbine which I think looks in pretty good condition. He hasn't sent me one of the action open showing the serial number 8515. Can anyone confirm that it is in the right serial number ballpark for issue to the 13th Illinois Vol. Cav. or a similar Illinois unit. Also how the inspector H.G.S. is? Thanks to all again from the UK.

 

[UCVRelics]

right serial number ballpark for issue to the 13th Illinois Vol. Cav.

Below is the serial # range. I looked thru the entire Starr serial # and didn't see any that were issued to the 13th Ill Cav.

7627 64CO H 14TH PENNA VOL CAV
8384 03 64CO K 3RD ARK VOL CAV
9047 03 64CO K 3RD ARK VOL CAV
9290 03 64CO K 3RD ARK VOL CAV

 

[Bugattimiller]

Hi all, I finally did a deal and bought the Starr carbine serial number 8515. There is also a 6 stamped away from the serial number. I have attached more detailed photos, rear of barrel is stamped H.G.S. also in wood stock by butt plate tang. Butt plate brass tang stamped with letter B as is left side of the rear sight. There is a very faint cartouche in the usual place on the left wrist of the stock, too faint to read initials). I am assuming early 1864 manufacture? I have found serial number 8252 was issued to the 13th Illinois and the Horse Soldier sold serial number 9859 identified to Charles M Crump, Co F 13th Illinois cavalry. Any information gratefully received. Many thanks again to UCVRelics.

 

[JOHN42768]

H.G.S. is Henry Grant Shaw or H.G. Smith depending on whose records you wish to believe. Shaw was a Armory employee from 1853-70. There is no known record of Shaw as a inspector outside the Armory and was not on the list of signers of the oath of Allegiance for inspectors. Smith being employed at the Yonkers factory on Ma. Hagers Payroll records. Little info is known according to Charlie Pates book " U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks"

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Very nice looking Starr carbine.
Is there some specific reason why you want to find a Starr Carbine issued to the 13th Illinois Cavalry?
Let me know, and I have some info to share.
The SRS data is not neatly packaged, except perhaps in the files of the person who owned those files in recent times.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Thanks Jeff for your reply. I have a Colt M1861 navy identified to John M Martin of Co F 13th Illinois Cavalry (same company as Charles Crump, probably knew each other) and I know they were issued with Starr carbines later in the war. I wanted a representative Starr to display with the Colt. Always interesting when a firearm can be identified to a unit. Any info gratefully received.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I sent you a private message