[opaww]

From what I have found so far this is an authentic Griswold and Gunnison. It matches all descriptions of their revolvers. The A stamped on the front of the trigger guard may indicate this was made by Arvin N. Gunnison, the number 26 in front of the trigger is cryptic and is unknown as of right now what it applies to, (but I am still looking)

This particular pistol may have a name of the owner, searching all names of the 5th Georgia Calvary, if have found the matched initials of R.A. on the hand grip to the names of,

Captain Richard F Aikin
Private Robert Allen
A possible gift from one General R.H. Anderson to his brother Clifford W. Anderson of the 5th Georgia Calvary

I am sure this is not a reproduction though it’s history I will attempt to find out more on. So hang on to it.

[opaww]

A small but maybe important update here, it would seem that a Colonel R.H. Anderson was asseigned to the 5th Georgia Calvary and later was commissioned Brigadier General. So this hand gun may of belonged to him personally.

[opaww]

From July 1862 until the end of the civil War Griswold and Gunnison produced these revolvers, their serial numbers went up to 3,700 based on the known revolvers made by them between 1862 and 1864.

This is a brass-framed copy of the 1851 Colt Navy, in .36 cal. There were 2 different models made one with a round top to the barrel lug, and one with an octagon top.

The Serial numbers are stamped with individual digits larger then on other guns of the Confederate. The serial numbers will be found on the right or left side of the frame and barrel lug, on the cylinder, and some times in front of the trigger guard as the one you have.

The A on the left side of the trigger guard sometimes was a Y but is unknown as to its real meaning, as is the 2 digit number 26 on the one you have.

I cannot find out yet if this is one was actually owned by R.H. Anderson but it would fit the bill, as one an officer would have with custom handgrips with his initials in them.

Who ever this belonged to, the one thing you can be sure of and that it is not a reproduction.

opaww

[peevee60]

Thanks, I have been spending countless hours searching the 5th Calvery and There is very few people that fit the intitals. Thanks again for the help. It is my fathers gun, he has collected guns all his life , I have no idea where he found this one but what it was was a puzzle to him. Hopefully this info will fill in some blanks. Thanks again

[CA357]

This is great stuff and very exciting.

[opaww]

This pistol is a lead into history sense it takes you all over the place to read some of the Civil War history.

I am kind of hoping you will think it is just some reproduction and let me buy it from you for $100 U.S. + shipping.

[peevee60]

OPAWW if half of what you have found and in combination of what I found is true I Bet you would like it for $100.00 The civil war history is where I feel I must continue the search. Way out of my my expertise. Being a yankee and all. As we know the more history that goes with a peice the more valuable it becomes. Once again I thank you for all your time in researching this peice. It gives me a real good base to continue the search. If my father decides to sell , you will be the first to know.

[BillM]

Interesting. This thread has swung from "it's a reproduction--I'm sure"
to "Just MAYBE it MIGHT be a real Griswold and Gunnison" to "It's
a real one--no doubt". Personally I'm pulling for it being real, and if
it is I'm just astounded by the condition. The 5th Georgia saw a lot
of action--usually these guns show some pitting from black powder and
battlefield conditions. What a beautiful piece of history if it's real.

Peevee--try sending your pictures etc. to these folks.

Civil War Antiques Preservation Society - Civil War Antique Appraisers,Authenticators,and Buyers

Not sure if Jim Supica is still doing any appraisal work since he became
director of the National Firearms Museum, but he would be another
that could tell if it is authentic.

[CA357]

Man, I love this. Peevee please keep us in the loop.

Thank you and kudos to the knowledgeable and generous men of this community who offered their expertise.

[opaww]

Originally Posted by peevee60

OPAWW if half of what you have found and in combination of what I found is true I Bet you would like it for $100.00 The civil war history is where I feel I must continue the search. Way out of my my expertise. Being a yankee and all. As we know the more history that goes with a peice the more valuable it becomes. Once again I thank you for all your time in researching this peice. It gives me a real good base to continue the search. If my father decides to sell , you will be the first to know.

OK...OK $125 and I pay the shipping...Just kidding, But I think you need to get some real experts on it because though I feel it is the real thingy I cannot tell you the history of it. Along with an expert will be able to give you some area of value. Just remember I am not an expert by far and may be giving you some wrong information.