This is a solid representative example of a Colt Model 1851 Navy type percussion revolver that was manufactured by Samuel Griswold and Arvin Gunnison at Griswoldville, Georgia, circa 1862-64. Griswold & Gunnison manufactured approximately 3,700 revolvers and were the largest Confederate handgun maker during the Civil War. During the Battle of Griswold Station, the pistol factory was destroyed by the 10th Ohio Cavalry and 3rd Kentucky Cavalry troops. Although production ceased in late 1864, the Confederacy continued to receive these revolvers as late as April 1865. Completed and uncompleted revolvers were likely moved before the plant was destroyed and were later assembled at another location. This revolver has a rounded barrel lug with round barrel and brass frame and grip straps. The six-shot cylinder has the distinctive twist lines found on Griswold & Gunnison revolvers, rectangular stops, and safety pins between the percussion nipples. The hammer has the typical crude knurling on the spur. The trigger guard is marked "25," three dots and "B" under the grip, and the back strap is marked "25" under the grip. The full serial number "825" is stamped on the cylinder and right side of the frame and barrel lug. With the revolver is a leather shot bag. The well made, widely issued Griswold & Gunnison revolver is one of the most desirable Confederate made Civil War handguns.

Good. The revolver shows the use typical of Confederate made firearms and has a smooth dark patina overall with some scattered minor-moderate pitting and surface rust. The loading lever and wedge are replacements, and the wedge screw and a trigger guard screw are missing. The freshened grip is also good with high edge wear, a small missing chip near the bottom and a number of pressure dents on the bottom. The action does not function. No Civil War firearms collection is truly complete without this rare Confederate Griswold and Gunnison revolver.