I am looking to aquire one of these but I really do not know how to distinguish a S&G replica from any other brass framed 1851 Navy look alike like a G&G for instance. Is there something unique that makes it identifyable?
OK, to simplify, so I can get it to soak in.... an 1851 Navy .36 cal. with an all brass frame and a round barrel is a Griswold & Gunnison and with an octagonal barrel it is a Schneider & Glassick. I got it!
That is correct and to continue your history lesson all 51 Navies were .36 caliber. .36 being the Navy caliber and .44 the Army caliber. There never was a brass frame .44 put into production and a steel frame 51 Navy with a round barrel is a Leech & Rigdon
I did notice the lack of cylinder engraving on mine. I think I have seen brass 51 Navy style revolvers with engraved cylinders but I believe they were 44 cal. which makes them I don't know what.