These Second Model LeMat revolvers were manufactured in Paris, France c. 1864-1865, and LeMat revolvers in their various forms were manufactured in Liege, Paris and Birmingham between 1856-1865 with total production estimated at fewer than 2,900 revolvers, according to "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 10-013). The LeMat revolver was developed by Dr. Jean LeMat of New Orleans, Louisiana, and patented in 1856. Approximately 1,500 LeMat revolvers are thought to have been purchased by the Confederate government during the Civil War, with many senior Confederate officers known to have carried them. However, the LeMat revolver is most closely associated with the famed Confederate cavalryman General J.E.B. Stuart who carried a LeMat revolver when he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern, Virginia in 1864. The LeMat two-barrel "Grapeshot" revolver is the most distinctive of all the Confederate associated firearms. This example has the distinctive Second Model features including the combination of a full octagon .42 caliber revolver barrel and percussion nine-shot cylinder, a second centrally mounted smoothbore .65 caliber/16 gauge "buckshot" barrel, loading lever on the left side of the revolver barrel, pivoting hammer nose with central change lever on the hammer spur, rounded trigger guard with no spur and lanyard ring hole in the butt of the frame. The top barrel flat is engraved "Col LeMat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris" in a panel with engraved flourishes at either end. The right side of the barrel is stamped with the serial number "1478" followed by the "*/LM" LeMat logo. The matching serial number "1478" is also stamped on the right side of the frame below the cylinder, on the cylinder, and handwritten in black ink inside both grip panels. A partly stamped "X" inspection mark is on the left side of the hammer. The revolver has a high polish blue finish and is fitted with two-piece finely checkered walnut grips. The consignor indicated this revolver was purchased from a Fred T. Allen on February 20, 1999. Provenance: The Fred T. Allen Collection; Private Collection

Fine, retains 30% plus untouched original blue finish, strongest on the cylinder, mixed with smooth brown patina on the balance, and some scattered patches of minor surface oxidation/pitting. Grips are also fine with scattered mild handling marks, and crisp checkering. Absent loading lever retaining piece with a half absent head on its retaining screw. Mechanically excellent. A fine and attractive example of a Civil War Second Model LeMat revolver.