Lot 1159

Early Serial Number "6" Civil War Era Starr 1863 Army Revolver

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Early Serial Number "6" Civil War Era Starr 1863 Army Revolver

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Early Production Single-Digit Serial Number "6" Civil War Era Starr Model 1863 Army Single Action Percussion Revolver with Checkered Ivory Grip This is the lowest serial numbered example of a Starr Model 1863 revolver we at Rock Island Auction Company have ever witnessed, bearing the single-digit serial number "6". We very recently sold two-digit serial number "18" in the May 2026 auction (Lot 1190), which also has checkered ivory grips identical to this early production example. Approximately 32,000 Starr Model 1863 revolvers were manufactured c. 1863-1865 per page 374 of "Flayderman's Guide, 9th Edition". The majority of these revolvers were purchased by the U.S. government during the Civil War. The Starr Model 1863 Army revolver was one of the most widely issued revolvers of the American Civil War alongside the Colt Model 1860 Army and the Remington New Model Army. It is believed the standard production Starr Model 1863 Army revolvers were serial numbered continuing from the Model 1858 in the approximate 23000 range on up, with this very early production single-digit serial numbered example being an exception from a pilot production batch made for the commercial market or for presentation with a very attractive one-piece checkered ivory grip. As a very early production example this revolver does not have the Starr address and patent markings on either side of the frame as seen on typical later production examples and the knob on the top strap screw is larger. The matching visible serial number "6" is marked on the bottom of the barrel, front surface of the barrel lug, inside the hammer well, hammer, and cylinder.

Manufacturer: Starr Arms Company

Model: 1863

BBL: 8 inch round

Gauge: .44

Finish: blue

Grips: checkered ivory

Serial Number6

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 60% plus bright original blue finish, strong patterns of original case colors on the hammer, with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, slightly warped front edges of the frame below the loading lever, minor oxidation, and distinct edges in the metal overall. The grip is also fine, with highly attractive natural patina, dark age lines, a small chip on the butt, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This very early production single-digit serial number "6" Civil War era Starr Model 1863 Army revolver would make a great addition to any antique American firearms collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000