Denix Griswold & Gunnison Confederate Revolver Non-Firing Replica - USA 1860

Item Specifics

• Brand: Denix
• Type: Percussion Revolver Replica
• Model: Griswold & Gunnison Confederate Revolver
• Era: American Civil War (1861-1865)
• Country of Origin: Confederate States of America
• Year: 1860 Design (Produced 1862-1864)
• Inspired By: Colt 1851 Navy
• Materials: Metal (Brass Frame) and Wood
• Length: 13.8 inches
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Functionality: Non-Firing Replica with Simulated Loading and Firing Mechanism
• Reference: 2083

Description

Own a piece of American Civil War history with this exceptional Denix replica of the Griswold & Gunnison revolver, the Confederate South's most widely manufactured handgun. Featuring a distinctive brass frame—often crafted from melted church bells due to wartime steel shortages—this .36 caliber percussion revolver tells the story of Southern ingenuity and resilience during one of America's most defining conflicts.

Crafted with museum-quality attention to detail, this replica features authentic metal construction with a distinctive golden brass frame and wood grips, plus a simulated loading and firing mechanism with a rotating six-shot cylinder. The slightly angled grip provides the unique ergonomic feel that set this revolver apart from its contemporaries. Perfect for Civil War reenactors, military history enthusiasts, Old West collectors, and fans of period television like Hell on Wheels.

Historical Background

Inspired by the legendary Colt 1851 Navy revolver, the Griswold & Gunnison was the Confederate South's answer to the critical shortage of military firearms during the American Civil War. Due to the Union naval blockade and lack of industrial capacity, Confederate manufacturers faced severe shortages of steel and other essential materials. In a remarkable display of wartime ingenuity, they resorted to using brass—often melted down from church bells donated by Southern communities—to create the revolver's distinctive golden frame.

The result was a .36 caliber percussion revolver with a six-shot rotating cylinder and a 7.5-inch round barrel. While functionally similar to the Colt Navy, the brass frame gave it a unique appearance and made it instantly recognizable. The grip, angled slightly backward, provided a distinctive ergonomic feel and handling characteristics that set it apart from other weapons of its time.

Between 1862 and 1864, this weapon became the most widely manufactured revolver by the Confederacy, with approximately 3,700 units produced at the Griswold & Gunnison factory in Griswoldville, Georgia. This made it the most successful Confederate-made revolver of the Civil War, a testament to Southern determination and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming industrial disadvantages.

The Griswold & Gunnison has left its mark in popular culture as well. In the acclaimed AMC series Hell on Wheels, the protagonist Cullen Bohannon—a former Confederate soldier—carries this distinctive brass-framed revolver throughout the series, reflecting his past and his connection to the conflict that defined 19th-century America.

As Seen In Popular Films & TV Shows

• Hell on Wheels (Cullen Bohannon's sidearm)
• The Outlaw Josey Wales
• Gettysburg
• Gods and Generals
• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
• Dances with Wolves
• True Grit
• Deadwood
• Westworld

Product Features

• Authentic Confederate Design: Faithful reproduction of the most-produced Confederate revolver
• Distinctive Brass Frame: Golden brass construction replicates the wartime adaptation
• Quality Construction: Metal and wood construction for museum-quality authenticity
• Working Mechanism: Simulated loading and firing mechanism with rotating cylinder
• Unique Ergonomics: Angled grip provides the distinctive feel of the original
• Historical Significance: Symbol of Confederate resilience and wartime ingenuity
• Non-Firing & Legal to Own: Completely safe replica that cannot fire ammunition
• Museum Quality: Made by Denix, renowned for historically accurate replicas
• Versatile Use: Perfect for collections, displays, reenactments, theater, and film productions

Specifications

• Length: 13.8 inches
• Barrel Length: 7.5 inches (round barrel)
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Materials: Brass frame and metal with wood grips
• Color: Brass and black with a worn finish
• Caliber: .36 caliber percussion (replica)
• Cylinder Capacity: 6 shots (simulated)
• Condition: New
• Manufacturer: Denix (Made in Spain)
• Reference Number: 2083

Legal Disclaimer

This is a non-firing replica for display and collection purposes only. It cannot fire ammunition and cannot be modified to fire live rounds. All items comply with federal regulations regarding replica firearms. Buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all local and state laws regarding replica firearms. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on replica weapons.

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!