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CONDITION: Excellent plus, nearly as issued. Retains 98% plus original blue and
vivid casehardened finishes. All markings in the metal are sharp. There is no flash-
pitting. Brass retains an attractive golden patina with a patch of dings on the left of the
barrel band. Wood is also excellent with attractive raised grain and rich oil finish, defined edges,
a faint outline of what was likely a painted circle on the left of the buttstock, a few horizontal cracks
visible at the toe, some light handling marks and dents, and crisp inspection stampings. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the top few finest examples Rock Island Auction Company has had the pleasure
of bringing to auction, and this near new Starr carbine, nearly impossible to improve upon, would make an excellent addition to any Civil War or U.S. martial collection!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
LOT 1189
Spectacular Civil War U.S. Burnside Fifth Model Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring
Carbine - Serial no. 8687, 54 cal., 21 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These
“Fifth Model” Burnside carbines represent the completion of the evolution of General Ambrose
Burnside’s ingenious carbine design. Unfortunately for Burnside, he profited little, if at all, from his
well-known design because he sold his shares before the company received sizable government contracts.
The outbreak of the Civil War led to the purchase of over 50,000 Burnside carbines. They were the third most purchased breech loading carbine during the war, after only the Sharps and the Spencer. This example has the standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the frame and breech block. Two crisp boxed script inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock including “HDH” (Henry D. Hastings) and “GC” (George Curtis), and “G.C” inspection initials on bottom of the forearm and ahead of the buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retaining 98% plus original blue finish on the barrel, 98% plus vibrant original case colors on the frame, hammer, lever latch barrel band and buttplate, 98% original bright niter blue finish on the upper tang, breech block, lever, and lower tang, with a few scattered areas of light freckling. Wood is also excellent with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, some light handling marks, one minor small chip above the lock
behind the frame, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This spectacular Civil War Burnside carbine appears to remain unissued, serving as a true time capsule, and would make an excellent addition to any U.S. martial collection!
Estimate: 12,000 - 17,000
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