Lot 1150

Miniature Civil War Confederate Griswold & Gunnison Revolver

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Miniature Civil War Confederate Griswold & Gunnison Revolver

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,500

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Well-Documented Cased Miniature Civil War Confederate Griswold & Gunnison Percussion Revolver by Hans Mueller of Germany with Provenance Letter Manufactured c. 1950s to 1971 by Hans Mueller of Munich, Germany, this is an approximately 1/2 scale faithful miniature replica of the Civil War Confederate Griswold & Gunnison percussion revolver. An accompanying letter of provenance dated September 4, 1971, addressed to Mr. Roger Boettcher (first name crossed out by hand with "Mrs. Dorthy" in place of) from noted arms collector Arnold Chernoff states, "I would like to take this opportunity to explain in detail some of the rare features of the extremely fine miniature you recently purchased from me. First of all, as you know, the piece is exceptionally well made and accurate in every detail. It is a replica or a miniature copy of the Confederate Civil War revolver known as the Griswold & Gunnison. It was made in Munich, Germany, by Hans Mueller. Mr. Mueller had planned to go into production on these firearms for collectors, however, he could not raise the necessary capital needed and was forced to abandon the idea. The cased gun you purchased from me is one of four such guns that he made and submitted to prospective money backers. The people he contacted felt that the gun was very well made as is the flask and mold and accessories that accompanied the gun, as well as the case; but because Mr. Mueller wanted to keep it a family affair (his brother, himself, his father and a son would produce the miniatures), the money backers felt that there was too much of a risk involved and therefore refused to advance any funds. As a result, the gun is one of just four that were ever made and is an extreme rarity as well as a delightful miniature." A small shield shaped stamped marking is located on the left side of the barrel lug and on the bottom of the frame. Includes a hardwood case with purple felt lined fitted interior, miniature dual cavity bullet mold, cap tin, and "NK" marked copper powder flask. This exact miniature is pictured and described on page 47 of “The Art of Miniature Firearms: Centuries of Craftsmanship”.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

BBL: 3 3/4 inch part round

Finish: bright/blue

Grips: hardwood

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Other

  • Provenance: The Frank Brownell Collection
  • Condition: Excellent overall, retains 95% original blue finish on the cylinder, with original bright iron surfaces on the barrel assembly and hammer, attractive untouched mustard yellow patina on the brass, absent front sight, some light freckling, sharp edges in the metal and grip. Mechanically functions. The case is fine, with a few detached dividers on the interior.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000