Description:

NATHANIEL P. BANKS' STARR CARBINE
An exceptional Civil War relic, a Starr carbine rifle owned and used by NATHANIEL P. BANKS (1816 - 1894), the Union major general who defeated "Stonewall Jackson" at the battle of Kernstown. The carbine is a single-shot breech-loading weapon, .54 caliber, and measures 37 1/2" overall, with a 21" barrel. The weapon is marked immediately behind the breech: "Starr's Patent - Sept. 14th 1858". The serial number is visible on the left side of the breech mechanism when open: "4132". Pitted with some rust, missing a 1" chip of wood from the bottom of the butt, else good condition, however the pin securing the hammer and lock mechanism is missing. The lock is held in place with black electrician's tape. This fine relic comes with impeccable provenance from Douglas Weeks, a direct descendent of Banks, who owned the piece along with other items once belonging to Banks. He states in a notarized letter (included in lot), that: "I have... Gen Bank's Starr Carbine - Rusty and missing a pin which holds the hammer works in place. All parts still move freely". The lot also contains a war-date A.L.S. by Banks to his wife upon his assumption of the governorship, Washington, Jan. 10, 1863, in part: "...You will be surprised I am sure - Mr. Kelly my tailor... insisted today upon my ordering a suit of clothes saying that is was discreditable to the Gov't. that I am no better dressed. His philosophy is that being long in body & short in legs like Douglas or Napoleon I need a dark coat & vest and light pants. I am to wear a mulberry or dahlia colored coat velvet collar and pants of uncertain color but light...". A great relic.

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May 24, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000