Starr Model 1865 .56-50 Spencer 21″ Breechloading Carbine Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,000.01

LSB#: LSB260622FM244

Make: Starr Arms Company

Model: Model 1865 Cartridge Carbine

serial number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1865 / Antique

Caliber: .56-50 Spencer Rimfire

Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated Falling Block Breechloading Carbine

Barrel Length: 21″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch sight screwed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece hardwood with a straight wrist, straight comb, and smooth crescent steel buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. This rifle is in about Very Good overall condition as an Antique.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered corrosion and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Overall Condition: This Starr Model 1865 remains in Good overall condition as an Antique. The stocks remain solid with no chips or cracks, and the carbine retains its proper two piece stock configuration, crescent steel buttplate, and simple military style sights. The bore retains well defined rifling despite scattered corrosion and pitting. The action functions correctly, leaving this as a solid representative example of Starr’s scarce metallic cartridge military carbine.

Starr Arms Company was an important supplier of cavalry arms to the United States during the Civil War. Near the end of the conflict, Starr adapted its earlier percussion carbine to the self contained metallic cartridge, resulting in the Model 1865. The redesigned carbine used the .56-50 Spencer rimfire cartridge and incorporated changes to the breechblock, hammer, and extraction system. Ordnance testing of the metallic cartridge version took place in early 1865, followed by a government contract for approximately 5,000 carbines.

This example remains a desirable surviving Starr Model 1865 with its 21″ barrel and characteristic two piece military stock configuration. The bore is light gray with well defined rifling and scattered corrosion and pitting throughout. Its functioning breechloading action and association with the rapid transition from percussion ignition to self contained metallic cartridges make the Model 1865 an interesting piece of late Civil War and early postwar American arms development. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.