Antique Starr Revolver

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

Can anyone give me some idea of range of value for an Antique Starr revolver that has been converted to cartridge, presumably in the 1800's? I have only see a photo so far, but it looks like the grips show honest wear, and the steel has more bluing than I typically see on antique revolvers. So assuming its a legit Starr, and converted, and possibly refinished, and assuming it's fully functional....
What would be a no brainer good deal price?

 

[St8LineGunsmith]

I dont know what a refinished converted model would go for but an original in fair condition would go for about $4,000.00 $6,000.00

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Is it double or single action?
I would think that would have a lot to do with value. If I'm not mistaken the DA is more rare.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

thanks for the advice St8LineGunsmith, & Arkansas Paul. I don't know yet whether or not it's a single or double action. I'm planing on taking a look at it first hand and finding out. It is definitely converted, and almost looks to good to be true, but maybe I'm just overly paranoid. I've got a Pietta replica of a double action Starr, but I don't know if that will help me out much on determining the authenticity of this one.

 

[kBob]

Well.....back aroung 1992 or so I was in NawLins and looking in a window at some Cornfederate cotton bonds or some such. I went into this little 10x10 shop with a "healthy" old man at a desk and we talked about how there was no way I could afford any of his stamps bonds or currency. But we had a nice talk. As I turned to leave I noticed a glass fronted case behind the open door, there were sixteen or so Stars in that case. This lead to a much longer and yet spirited discussion about the contents of the case. After a bit the old fella layed a single action , a double action and a Belgium conversion to he thought .44-40. He then offered me my choice for $200.......

It seemed like a lot at the time......

Please kick me.......

-kBob

 

[St8LineGunsmith]

you need the crap beat out of you for not taking him up on that offer

btw it is real easy to tell if it is a single or double pull the trigger with the hammer down if it will cycle the hammer then it is a double if the hammer will not budge then it is a single action.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

btw it is real easy to tell if it is a single or double pull the trigger with the hammer down if it will cycle the hammer then it is a double if the hammer will not budge then it is a single action.

You can just look at them and tell. If the trigger is nestled really close, like less than 1/2" from the back of the trigger guard, it's single action. On a DA, the trigger rests about halfway between the front and back of the trigger guard, to give it enough travel to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer.

Also, on the Starrs, if I'm not mistaken, the DA had a shorter barrel than the SA in most instances. I'm sure there are some exceptions out there though.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

I'm hoping to be able to take a look at the Starr in person tomorrow. I've only see one photo of it so far, and the trigger sits almost in the middle of the trigger guard, just like the DA Replica I have, so I'm guessing it's a DA. I don't have any experience with originals. What would be the most obvious indications of it actually being a defarbed replica?

 

[St8LineGunsmith]

replicas are usually exact copys of what they are replicating so it is probably safe to say that if it looks like your copy it is more than likely a DA.
I would love to see some pics of the fire arm.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

What would be the most obvious indications of it actually being a defarbed replica?

If it says, "Black powder only" anywhere on it, it's a replica. There was no need for that in the 1860s. BP is all there was.

 

[PRM]

I dont know what a refinished converted model would go for but an original in fair condition would go for about $4,000.00 $6,000.00

I saw a box of these piled on top of each other back in the 80s. Asking price was $200 - $400 (depending on condition)...:banghead::banghead::banghead:

Of course at that time, if riverboats had of been selling for a dime a piece, all I could have done was run up and down the river bank hollering "aint that cheap."

 

[Digger Odell]

ID Starr

Hi Malachi Leviticus Blue!

One way to quickly ID the Model;
The Starr Navy, 36 caliber had 6" barrel, The left Side of the frame is marked STARR ARMS Co NEW York, The right side is marked STARR ARMS Patent Jan15, 1856.
The Starr Army D/A, 44 caliber has 6" barrel & is marked the same as the Navy.

The Starr Army S/A, 44 caliber has an 8" barrel & is marked similar. I say similar only because I am unable to read it because it is marred. Model 1863

I found s/n on bottom of frame & cyl.

I hope this helps.
Good Luck!

Digger

 

[RaiderANV]

Actually,,,,,,, one in fair condition would go between $1200-1400.

 

[Jim K]

One way to tell the DA Starr is that the hammer can't be cocked manually, only with the trigger.

Jim