CIRCA 1860 CONFEDERATE REVOLVER Model 1083G by Denix
At the start of the American Civil War there where no factories in the south manufacturing pistols. Within a year several companies had started making pistols, but only three made pistols in any quantity; which where Spiller & Burr, Griswold & Gunnison and Leech & Rigdon. Griswold and Gunnison set up business in a converted cotton gin factory and its work force of 22 slaves and overseers made 3,606 revolvers between 1862 and 1864.

Most of the southern made revolvers where copies of the north's Colt Navy or Colt Army revolvers, and this non-firing replica is no exception. Although called a "Navy" model, it was purchased and used by anyone. The name was used to identify the smaller caliber than that which was used in the similar Colt Army model. This cap-and-ball percussion revolver fired six 36 caliber balls, and a pull-bar loading mechanism was incorporated into the design. Considered the South's answer to the Colt's Navy revolver, the Confederate model was made at Griswoldville near Macon. This Confederate Navy featured a Round Dragoon type barrel, often with brass frame, which were often cast from church bells of Macon since steel was in short supply in the south.

Like the originals, a pair of beautifully finished wood grips and antique finish metals give this model authentic historic visual appeal. This Denix non-firing replica has the size and handling characteristics of the original, with functional lock and loading mechanisms. It Measures 13-1/2" from butt tip to muzzle and weighs in at a little over 2lbs 3 oz. This American Civil War replica revolver can be cocked and dry-fired. Pulling the hammer part way back allows the chamber to rotate and the loading mechanism to be performed. The Denix M1851 Griswold and Gunnision Navy is also available in Brass & Blued finish.