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LOT 1199
Exceptional Civil War U.S. Starr Model 1863 Army Single Action Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 38564, 44 cal., 8
inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Reportedly, 32,000 of these Model 1863 revolvers were manufactured between 1863-1865, with
the majority purchased on government contract. The Starr Arms Co. 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. Most show signs of significant use, but
this revolver remains in exceptional condition. It has the standard Starr markings along with single letter U.S. Ordnance sub-inspection marks
and boxed script inspection cartouches stamped on either side of the grip. Matching visible serial numbers located on the front of the frame
below the loading lever, inside the hammer well, barrel, cylinder, on the left of both grip straps, and stamped on top of the one-piece
walnut grip.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some thinning on the grip straps and cylinder, scattered light freckling
and handling marks, with 80% vivid case colors showing on the hammer and rear of the loading lever with smooth brown patina on the
balance. Grip is very fine with rich oil finish, some light scratches and mostly crisp cartouches. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,000
LOT 1198
Excellent Civil War U.S.
Contract Rodgers & Spencer Army Model Percussion Revolver -
Serial no. 4464, 44 percussion cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This Army Model
percussion revolver was manufactured by Rodgers, Spencer & Co., of Willow Dale, New York, as part of
5,000 gun contract with the Ordnance Department during the Civil War. These revolvers were delivered between January and
September 1865. The Rodgers & Spencer revolvers are considered to be among the best military percussion revolvers manufactured during
the Civil War. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the octagon barrel, six-shot cylinder and frame. The hammer and loading lever
are color casehardened. The black walnut two-piece grips are oil finished. The barrel has a nickel-silver cone front sight, and the frame has
a sighting groove in the top strap. The hammer has a knurled spur. The grips have a distinctive flare at the heel. The top strap is roll-stamped
“RODGERS & SPENCER” on the right side of the sighting groove and “UTICA N.Y.” to the left. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the frame below the cylinder, on
the underside of the barrel, the side of the cylinder and on the bottom of the grip strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. “B” single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped
on most components. The Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the script initials “RPB” in a rectangle is stamped on the side of the left grip.
CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish. Wear is limited to minor handling and storage marks. The loading lever and hammer retain 98% of the muted case colors.
The factory markings, serial numbers and ordnance sub-inspection marks are crisp. The grips are also excellent with raised feathered grain and perfect Ordnance sub-inspection initials and final inspection
mark. This is an excellent example of a Civil War Rodgers & Spencer Army Model revolver in near as-issued condition.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500