David,

Clean the weapon with a gentle medium. Use a quality preservative oil when you do. Do not clean it to the extent that the patina would be compromised as that would degrade the weapon's value.These weapons were .36 caliber. The manufacture of a .36 caliber weapon was easier due to the fact that the cylinder did have to be machined with a step to accomoddate a larger caliber. Besides, using a .36 ball took less lead than a .44. Conservation of resources was crucial to the Confederacy.

The Griswold & Gunnison revolvers were brass-framed copies of the Colt Navy 1851. They were also of the .36 calibre, and there are 2 different models, the one with a rounded top to the barrel lug, the other one with an octagon top. The barrel itself is always round. Based on the serial numbers, Griswold & Gunnison produced about 3,600 revolvers between 1862 and 1864. Therefore I am confused by the number 4029 on your specimen. Someone else may see this post and comment on that.

From July 1862 on, an until the end of the Civil War, Griswold & Gunnison have produced revolvers, at the rate of about 100 per month. The plant was destroyed on November 22, 1864, by the 3rd Union Kentucky Cavalry.

As to monetary value. I do not look at how much something from the period is worth in money. The article itself is enough value for me. I have a Colt 1862 Pocket Police, .36, from the era. I do not know how much it is worth, nor do I care. It is enough that it served.

Len