@steve bliss, you most likely have one of the brass framed 1851 "Navy" revolvers in the fantasy caliber of 44. Once all the preserving greases have been removed from the chambers in the cylinder, and the nipples are clean, the cylinder can be loaded. The empty cylinder can be capped with #10 or #11 percussion caps. You will have to measure the top of the nipple's cone to determine the proper fitting cap. #11 caps can be slightly pinched to fit the #10 nipples. Fire the caps to clear any residual grease from the nipples and verify that the hammer can set off the caps. I strongly recommend 3Fg real black powder for a charge of about 22 grains measured by volume. If you can only find substitute powders, the powder charge is still measured by volume as that will perform just about the same as the same volume of black powder. Get some over powder 44 caliber wads to be placed between the powder and the ball. A SOFT LEAD ball of 0.454" diameter can then be swaged into the chamber. A ring of lead should be shaved off indicating a gas seal to the chamber as the ball is set gently on the powder and wad. Some will recommend a smear of grease such as Crisco to lubricate the barrel on shooting and to keep the fouling soft. Percussion caps can now be fit to the nipples in preparation for firing.
The Colt revolver of 1851 had a roll engraved cylinder depicting a navy battle scene. The caliber was 36 and used a 0.375" diameter ball. This was a very popular revolver and when the Confederacy needed a revolver, a copy of the 36 Navy was developed using brass for the frame, backstrap and trigger guard. The caliber was always 36. To provide modern shooters with a more powerful 44 caliber revolver that looked like a Confederate revolver, the 44 Navy was created. There's a lot more to the revolver and I have only hinted at some of the information available.
