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, 10-012, 10-013). This exact example is pictured at the top of page 126 in the book "Confederate Revolvers" (1987) by William A. Gary, in which the caption makes note that the left side mounted loading lever does not have a spring latch on this transitional model LeMat revolver. 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. These revolvers represented a significant firepower boost over other percussion revolvers of the era, integrating a 9-shot revolver and a 16 gauge "grapeshot" shotgun barrel. This LeMat revolver, serial number 680, is a transitional model with a part octagon .42 caliber upper revolver barrel and percussion nine-shot cylinder, a second centrally mounted smoothbore .65 caliber/16 gauge "buckshot" barrel, pivoting hammer nose with central change lever on the hammer spur, the swivel lanyard ring on the butt and spur trigger guard that are characteristic of the First Model, and loading lever on the left side as typically found on Second Model LeMat revolvers. The top of the revolver barrel is marked "Col. LeMat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris" on top. The right side of the barrel is stamped with the serial number "680" followed by the "*/LM" LeMat logo. The matching serial number "680" is also stamped on the right side of the frame below the cylinder, and on the cylinder. The consignor indicated this revolver was purchased from the William A. Gary estate on June 29, 2014. Provenance: The William A. Gary Collection; Private Collection

Very good plus with a fresh untouched original appearance, retains strong traces of original blue finish visible in a few of the protected areas with mostly smooth natural aged brown patina, some scattered patches of minor surface oxidation/pitting, and defined markings. Grips are fine with scattered mild handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A desirable example of a Civil War LeMat revolver.