Richard Ferry Catalog

ITEMS FOR SALE - NEW ITEMS

CONFEDERATE 2ND MODEL GRISWOLD REVOLVER- SERIAL NUMBER 1978

Item #: CS-55

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An outstanding example of the Confederate 2nd Model Griswold Revolver, readily identifiable by its distinctive octagonal barrel lug. Serial number 1978 is clearly stamped on the frame, barrel lug, and cylinder, while the secondary assembly number 28 is crisply marked on both the wedge and loading lever flat. The cryptic "H" inspection or workman's mark is visible adjacent to the serial number on the barrel, on the rear of the cylinder near the nipples, and is faintly discernible behind the loading lever catch, as illustrated in the accompanying photographs.

Mechanically, the revolver is excellent, with all functions operating properly. The original one-piece walnut grips remain in fine condition, and the entire revolver displays a pleasing, untouched dark patina that reflects honest age and preservation.

Adding significantly to its desirability is its documented provenance. This serial number can be found in pioneering Confederate arms authority William A. (Bill) Albaugh's work and is one of the recorded serial numbers listed on page 36 of his landmark 1963 reference, Confederate Handguns. It also appears in Jackson Arms Catalog 21A in 1963 as Item No. 852, where it was offered for sale at $850.00, providing an additional layer of documented collecting history.

With excellent markings, matching numbers, documented provenance, and exceptional overall condition, this is a premier example of one of the Confederacy's most iconic revolvers. It represents a superb opportunity to acquire a Griswold that would be difficult to improve upon and is worthy of the finest Civil War or Confederate arms collection.

Samuel Griswold (1790–1867) was a Connecticut-born industrialist who moved to central Georgia in the early 1800s and became one of the South's most successful manufacturers. Long before the Civil War, he established the town of Griswoldville, where his thriving cotton gin factory, foundry, sawmill, gristmill, and other industries made the community one of Georgia's leading industrial centers.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Georgia Governor Joseph E. Brown encouraged Griswold to convert his cotton gin works to military production. After first manufacturing pikes in early 1862, the factory was retooled to produce revolvers patterned after the Colt Model 1851 Navy. In partnership with Arvin N. Gunnison, the factory produced the famous Griswold & Gunnison brass-frame .36 caliber revolver. Because of the South's shortage of steel, the revolvers featured distinctive brass frames, making them instantly recognizable to collectors today.

Between 1862 and November 1864, the Griswoldville factory manufactured slightly more than 3,700 revolvers, making it the largest producer of Confederate revolvers during the war. Production came to an abrupt end when Union cavalry destroyed Griswoldville during General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea on November 20, 1864. Today, original Griswold & Gunnison revolvers rank among the most desirable and historically significant Confederate handguns, representing the Confederacy's largest and most successful revolver manufacturing operation

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