November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Between 1863 and 1865 James produced around 1000 Model 4 single action revolvers which cleverly could be used a percussion revolver or with .32 rimfire ammunition by unscrewing the removable nipples. Revolver is in standard configuration with silver plated finish, 4" octagon barrel, German silver half moon front sight, hammer notch rear, 6-shot cylinder, spur trigger, and 2-piece smooth rosewood grips. Revolver is accompanied by a nipple wrench and period leather flap holster secured with a Federal infantry “I” button. This revolver was carried by civilian farmer J. Thaddeus Starr during the Civil War. J. Thaddeus Starr was born in 1836 and seems to have been determined not to get caught up in the war, but instead to defend his property. Born in 1836, he was a farmer in Howard County, Maryland, in 1864 when he managed to avoid being drafted into the Union army by providing a substitute. Family tradition, repeated in a 1965 affidavit, indicated that when forces of either side were near, he made it a point to take his pistol and conceal his horses in the woods, seizure of which could have spelled ruin for a farmer. It is an indication of the toll and stress the war inflicted on Marylanders regardless of their political views. Starr passed away in 1920. Included with the pistol is Starr’s original 1864 draft exemption certificate and a post-war photograph. CONDITION: Very good. Significant portions of factory silver plate are retained with the balance exhibiting a mottled patina with some signs of cleaning. Grips shows some light impressions and abrasions remaining fine overall. Bore has some pitting from period use of period black powder. Mechanically fine with all 6 nipples intact. BAS
Accessories
Holster, L tool
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion / .32 RF
Paperwork
Folder of Provenance