OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

NPRF - NON-PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED/COLD BLUE, ETC.

Offered here is a Colt Model 1851 type percussion revolver manufactured by Samuel Griswold and Arvin Gunnison. Griswold & Gunnison, the largest Confederate handgun maker during the Civil War, manufactured approximately 3,700 revolvers. During the Battle of Griswold Station, the pistol 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. Completed and uncompleted revolvers were likely moved before the plant was destroyed and were later assembled at another location. The Griswold & Gunnison revolver is easily identifiable and possibly the most popular of all Confederate side arms. The revolver has the distinctive brass frame and grip straps, 6-shot cylinder, safety pins between the percussion nipples, and one-piece walnut grip. The matching full serial number appears on the right side of the frame, right side of the barrel lug, and cylinder, which shows the distinctive twist pattern. The last digit of the serial number ("4") appears on the trigger guard, loading lever, and wedge. The well made, widely issued Griswold & Gunnison revolver is one of the most desirable Confederate made Civil War handguns. The revolver is listed by serial number on p. 21 of "The Confederate Brass-Framed Colt & Whitney" by Albaugh III.