Starr Carbine Variant

[Lazouave]

I have approximately 50 Starr Carbine bullets I have been cataloging. Two variants are shown in the books(RBTR or M&M).
But the two that are rightmost in the pic I cannot locate, but assume they another Starr variant.

Was there a change in the casing that produced the recessed band just above the raised ring?

[LeonVa]

In my opinion your assumption is correct, they are Starr variants however you are looking in the wrong place.  Look at the British Sharps in the Stelma Book, 02-091 and 02-092 it has been discussed before and I believe that the so called British Sharps are simply Starr Variants.  Notice the similar size and profile of MM53, MM202, MM68, 02-091, and 02-092 not to mention the exact same bases on the last four. 

[aggiereb]

I think I agree.  If I recall correctly, all the different Starr variants are generally discovered side-by-side in the various locations.

I think the theory of "British Sharps" was debunked ages ago.

Wes

[Lazouave]

Thanks guys!

[mgmradio]

  I did a lot of research on the Starr bullets when I was trying to recreate the linen cartridges for the Starr, Sharps and Gwyn & Campbell carbines and looked at a number of original cartridges. The depressed ring on the Starr cartridges is not cast in, but an artifact left when the linen cartridge was choked to the bullet. The tool used to do this is shown in Round ball to rimfire part 2 pages 207-211 and was used late in the war by the Arsenal?s.

[aggiereb]

Great information - thanks!!!  I knew some of the information, but you filled in the details.

This is the way the Forum is supposed to work - sharing of information, answering questions, etc.

Somehow this theory got lost over the years. 

Keep on keepin' on!!

Wes

[Lazouave]

Thanks MGM!

[Wilmington Mike]

Very good informative thread.  I recently acquired a "British Sharps" a friend found.  It is the only one I've seen in person, and I ID'ed it from M&M years ago when he found it.  We detected a lot in the area of Georgia where it was found.  Never saw any Starr bullets dug there.

[Lazouave]

Mine are all from LA.

[aggiereb]

Is there really such a bullet as the "British" Sharps??

I thought they were Starr variants caused by the cartridge attachment.

Wes

[Wilmington Mike]

That is the consensus of this thread...they are Starr Carbine variants.  I just used the term "British Sharps"  from M&M because it does have a different look.

[aggiereb]

I'm not sure I would have keyed on that as a Starr carbine bullet.  Glad you were able to.

I've never seen a Starr variant quite like that one.

Keep up the good work.

Wes

[Lazouave]

Interesting bullet. Mine dont have the dimple on the base.