Rare Transitional Model LeMat Revolver. This unique revolver was patented by Dr. Jean Alexandre Francois LeMat of New Orleans in 1856 and features a .42 caliber barrel with 9-shot cylinder that revolved on a center axis that is also a .63 caliber, smoothbore buckshot barrel. The hammer has a pivoting striker which allows selection of either barrel. Less than 2900 LeMat revolvers were manufactured in Liege, Paris and Birmingham. A substantial number of LeMat revolvers were carried by prominent Confederate officers during the Civil War; the most famous of these officers was General J.E.B. Stuart. This transitional Second Model Revolver has the loading lever mounted on the left side of the barrel introduced with the second model revolvers but retains the prominent trigger spur and half-octagon barrel of the first model LeMat. The serial number of this revolver, "444", is included in the list of known LeMat Revolvers on page 120 of CONFEDERATE HANDGUNS by Albaugh, Benet and Simmons. The revolver's serial number, "444", is visible on the right barrel flat, the right side of the frame and the cylinder. The consigner notes that the serial number is also present on all other major components. All of the serial numbers match. The right side of the barrel is marked with an asterisk above the letters "LM" just ahead of the serial number. No other markings are visible. The butt is fitted with a lanyard loop. The stocks are checkered walnut. The hammer has the unique pivoting firing pin that is lowered to fire the center buckshot barrel.