Confederate revolver, USA 1860

Imitation of a revolver from the American Civil War, made of metal and wood, featuring a simulated loading and firing mechanism and a rotating cylinder.

Inspired by the legendary Colt 1851 Navy, the Griswold & Gunnison was the Confederate South’s answer to the shortage of military resources. Due to the lack of steel, manufacturers resorted to using brass —often melted down from church bells— to create its distinctive golden frame. The result was a .36 caliber percussion revolver with a six-shot cylinder and a 7.5-inch round barrel, both functional and distinctive.

Between 1862 and 1864, this weapon became the most widely manufactured revolver by the Confederacy, with around 3,700 units produced. Its grip, slightly angled backward, provided a unique ergonomic feel and distinctive personality compared to other weapons of its time.

The Griswold & Gunnison has left its mark in fiction: in the series Hell on Wheels, the protagonist Cullen Bohannon —a former Confederate soldier— carries it with him, reflecting his past and his connection to the conflict that defined 19th-century America.

Ideal for historical reenactors, military history enthusiasts, and fans of the Old West, this piece is a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and adaptation. A true gem for any collection of classic revolvers.