This is a fine original 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. This standard model revolver has an octagonal barrel lug with round barrel, brass frame, trigger guard, and back strap. 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 crude knurling on the spur. The revolver has a one-piece walnut grip. The revolver, correctly, has no maker identification; however, it has the cryptic marks found on most Griswold & Gunnison revolvers. In this case, two backwards letters "L L" are stamped on: (1) the right side of trigger guard underneath the grip, (2) inside of the back strap and (3) underside of the barrel behind the lever latch. An "H" inspection mark is stamped on the right side of the barrel lug. The left side of the trigger guard extension is stamped with the Roman numerals "VIIII". Five slash marks are stamped on the left side of the back strap beneath the grip. The full serial number is stamped on the left side of the cylinder, left side of the frame, and the left side of the barrel lug. The partial serial number "56" is stamped on the loading lever and the left side of the frame extension beneath the grip. The partial serial number "56" is also in pencil on the grip mortise. All of the visible serial numbers match. These well made, widely issued Griswold & Gunnison revolver are one of the most desirable Confederate made Civil War handguns.

Fine. The revolver shows the use typical of Confederate made firearms but is well above average with the exception of several replacement screws. The barrel, loading lever, cylinder, and hammer have a silver-gray patina with numerous dark spots of age discoloration and scattered pitting. The brass frame, trigger guard, and back strap have an attractive mustard yellow patina overall. All of the serial numbers are clear. The cryptic marks are sharp in protected areas and less visible in exposed locations. The walnut grip shows minimal shrinkage and is in very good overall condition. The action requires repair; the hammer will not cock, and the cylinder will not rotate. This is an exceptional example of a Confederate revolver!