This is an original example of a Confederate Model 1851 Navy type percussion revolver that was manufactured by Samuel Griswold in Griswoldville, Georgia, c. May-June 1864. Griswold was the largest Confederate manufacturer of handguns and produced approximately 3,700 percussion revolvers between 1862 and 1864. This Second Model Revolver has the distinctive brass frame with 7 1/2-inch round barrel and Dragoon-style barrel lug. The barrel has a brass pin front sight. The revolver has a brass back strap and round rigger guard. The cylinder has the distinctive Griswold and Gunnison twist lines and safety pins between each nipple. The one-piece walnut grip is oil-finished. The serial number "2808" is stamped on the cylinder and the right side of the barrel lug, and frame. The secondary serial number "18" is stamped on the loading lever, bottom of the trigger guard and right grip heel. All of the visible primary and secondary serial numbers match. The pistol is accompanied by a regulation Federal full flap Civil War holster for Army size percussion revolvers. The belt loop is stamped with "GAYLORD" manufacturer's markings and illegible address. The holster has a riveted closure strap with circular sewn reinforcement which dates the manufacturer as 1863 or later. The barrel plug has been removed and the bottom of the holster re-sewn to fit a smaller, Navy style revolver. The holster body has the impression of a Colt Model 1851 Navy type revolver. A letter that accompanies this revolver states that it was described to William A. Albaugh III. Author of "CONFEDERATE HANDGUNS" in 1976. The letter further states that the revolver was "associated with a J. Rush of Rome, Georgia". Also included with the revolver is a copy of hand-written letter from Edward N. Simmons who apparently owned this revolver at some point.

Fair. The revolver has a gray brown patina on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder and hammer. The edges of the barrel lug are rounded and there is flash pitting on the breech and rear edges of the lug. There are numerous small disassembly marks surrounding the wedge slot. The percussion nipples and cylinder cut-outs show moderate-heavy flash pitting. The cylinder shows file marks and some patches of cold blue which may cover an old repair or quite possibly a weld due to a once burst chamber. The brass frame, trigger guard and back strap have an attractive un-touched patina and show numerous minor dents and handling marks. The grip is in very good condition; wear is limited some minor scratches and chips. The primary and secondary serial numbers are deeply struck and sharp. The hammer cocks with difficulty but the action remains functional. The holster is in fair condition; the belt loop has broken along the top and has a period sewn repair and the bottom of the holster is broken at the toe. The date of the holster manufacture, impression of a Colt Model 1851 style revolver in the body and the period modifications and repair indicate that this holster could be original to this particular revolver. This is a solid example of an important Confederate Griswold & Gunnison Navy revolver with holster.