The Griswold & Gunnison revolvers are probably the most popular of all Confederate handguns. Like most Confederate handguns, the basic design is based on the Colt Model 1851 Navy. Griswold & Gunnison, the partnership of Samuel Griswold and Arvin N. Gunnison, became the largest Confederate handgun maker during the Civil War and manufactured approximately 3,700 of their distinctive brass frame revolvers. During the Battle of Griswold Station, the factory was destroyed by the 10th Ohio Cavalry and 3rd Kentucky Cavalry. Although production ceased in late 1864, the Confederacy continued to receive these revolvers as late as April 1865, and completed and uncompleted revolvers were likely moved before the plant was destroyed and were later assembled at another location. The revolver has the distinctive brass frame and grip straps, 6-shot cylinder, safety pins between the percussion nipples, First Model rounded barrel lug, one-piece walnut grip, "C" on the back of the frame to the right of the hammer as well as on the right at the toe of the grip straps, and matching serial numbers on the loading lever, right side of the barrel, cylinder, right side of the frame, trigger guard, and butt.

Fair. The once cleaned iron components mostly display artificial gray patina and mild pitting. The cylinder has visible twist patterns, and the hammer has traces of blue. The frame and back strap display dark aged patina, and the back strap has a spliced repair. The markings are distinct. The replacement grip is very good and has minor handling wear, some slight gaps, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The widely issued Griswold & Gunnison revolver is one of the most desirable Confederate made Civil War handguns. This particular revolver, even with the old restoration would be a good representative example!