This is an example of a First Model LeMat Two-Barrel Revolver that was manufactured for the Confederacy during the Civil War. This distinctive revolver was invented by Dr. Jean LeMat of New Orleans c. 1856 and features a .42 caliber barrel with 9-shot cylinder that revolves on a 5-inch, .63 caliber, single shot buckshot barrel. A pivoting striker on the hammer is used to select the barrel. The First Model LeMat revolvers were manufactured in Liege; approximately 1,500 First Model revolvers were purchased by the Confederate States of America in 1862. A number of these revolvers were used by prominent Confederate officers, most notably General J.E.B. Stuart who was carrying a LeMat revolver when he was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern, Virginia in 1864. The revolver has the spur trigger guard, loading lever on the right side of the barrel and swivel lanyard ring which are key features of First Model LeMat revolvers. The revolver has a part round/part octagon barrel, knurled hammer spur and two-piece checkered walnut grips. The top of the barrel is marked "COL. LeMAT'S PATENT" in an engraved panel. A Liege proofmark is stamped on the right side of the barrel just ahead of the cylinder. The serial number, "307" is visible on the lower right side of the frame, the right side of the barrel and on the cylinder.

Fair. The revolver shows heavy service wear with scattered dents and pitting. The barrels and frame have been lightly cleaned and the cylinder has been refinished. The metal parts have a mottled, partially refinished silver-gray patina. The markings are light but legible. The grips are heavily worn and the checkering is nearly smooth. The loading lever is a replacement. The action is loose but functional. The revolver is in the typical condition for Confederate weapons which inevitably show hard use. The unique LeMat revolver was probably the most distinctive handgun used in the Civil War and is closely linked with Confederate Generals J.E.B. Stuart and P.G.T. Beauregard - it remains the classic Confederate handgun of the Civil War.