.44 caliber CF conversions. 8" barrels. SNs: 25857 and 24124. Blued finish, carved wood grips and added forends. Single action military revovlers altered from percussion to cartridge in the post-Civil War period and later embellished in the form they now appear.

This lot consists of a pair Starr Model 1863 cartridge conversion revolvers, extensively engraved and fitted with deeply carved grips and stock in a Black Forest style. Decoration includes Native American figures, wildlife, and symbolic motifs in high relief, with additional inlaid elements throughout. One revolver is fitted with a full shoulder stock carved en suite. The pair was sold as Lot 3872 in the Harold’s Club Gun Collection (Butterfield & Butterfield, May 31 & June 1, 1994), where it was described as having been acquired in the late 19th century from the personal property of General George A. Custer, supported at the time by letters of documentation that are now missing. However a detailed letter from noted firearms auctioneer and authority "LIttle John" Gangel does accompany the revolvers, discussing their history and provenance.  The guns are additionally accompanied by a framed display including a pair of Major General’s epaulettes and a clipped signature of Custer dated June 6, 1870. These items trace through Fort Carson Antiques and later collections, reportedly originating from a Custer descendant. The revolvers represent a highly unusual example of embellished 19th-century arms, combining military firearms with elaborate carving and engraving.

While the Custer association appears apocraphyl on its face, there is sufficient circumstantial evidence to suggest the story is completely plausible. According to John Gangel's letter, the pair of guns were apparently presented to Custer as a token of the esteem of a Swiss-American heritage group in Michigan or Minnesota. Custer was of Swiss extraction and as he was from Michigan, the first state make the most sense. The style of decoration which is of the "Black Forest" style is also approriate as the Black Forest in the Baden region of southern Germany is near the northern Swiss border and would likely have influenced carvers in that region. Thus the style of decoration and likely presentation from Michiganders makes perfect sense. Additionally Custer's 6th & 7th Michigan Cavalry who were part of his "Wolverines" in the Michigan Brigade were issued large numbers of Starr Model 1863 revolvers like these, making them incredibly appropriate for the presentation. The US Government acquired roughly 24,000 M1863 Starr revolvers during the Civil War and sold the bulk of them, some 20,000 as surplus in late 1870. With these guns now in the hands of farming retailer Austin Baldwin, they were now available on the open market for buyers to acquire, alter to cartridge, etc. While Custer was certainly a national hero and media celebrity as the "Boy General" from his Civil War exploits, his star really rose after the Battle of the Washita on November 27, 1868. This battle, which was really more of a massacre, returned Custer to the media spotlight and also made his 7th Cavlary famous. After that battle, there was no more famous "Indian Fighter" in America than Custer. With the Starr revovlers becoming available on the retail market in late 1870, the guns would have been available for presentation to Custer anytime after mid-1871. In July of 1871 Custer returned to Michigan to help commemorate the War of 1812 and spoke to a reunion of veterans of that conflict in his home town of Monroe on July 4, 1871. He remained in Michigan through at least August of that year and even rode in a horse race that month. It was during this period that Custer also started to write serialized newspaper stories about his adventures on the plains, bringing him further noteriety. It is likely that the guns were presented during one of Custer's trips back east between 1871 and his death at the Little Big Horn on June 25 of 1876. After Custer's death his widow Elizabeth ("Libby") was left to support herself and did so not only by writing and memoralizing (as well as fictionalizing) Custer's life, but also by selling off his effects as public sales. This is likely how the pistols orignally entered the collector market in the last quarter of the 19th century. 

Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx shipping within the continental U.S.: $180 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.

Good as modified, refinished and embellisehd. Bores fair and oxidized. Revolvers remain mechanically functional. Both revolvers retain an dark, even patina with engraved surfaces visible throughout. Carved grips and stock show handling wear with minor losses at high points and scattered shrinkage. Inlaid elements remain largely intact. The stocked example retains its shoulder stock with matching carved decoration. Mechanically untested. Framed epaulettes and signature display remain well preserved with minor wear to the frame.