This Second Model LeMat revolver was manufactured in Paris, France c. 1864-1865. This revolver has the unique LeMat combination of a conventional .42 caliber barrel and percussion nine-shot cylinder which revolves on a centrally mounted smoothbore .63 caliber "buckshot barrel". The revolver has the distinctive Parisian features full octagon .42 caliber, revolver barrel, loading lever on the left side of the barrel, pivoting hammer nose with central change lever on the hammer spur, rounded trigger guard with no spur and lanyard ring hole in the boss on the butt frame. The revolver has a high polish blue finish and is fitted with two-piece finely checkered European walnut grips. The top barrel flat is engraved "COL. LeMAT, BTE. s.q.d.g. PARIS" in a panel with engraved flourishes at either end. The right side of the barrel is stamped with the serial number "1329" followed by the "*/LM" LeMat logo. The serial number "1329" is also visible on the right side of the frame below the cylinder and on the right side of the trigger. The cylinder is stamped with the serial number "1329". A "J" inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the hammer. The LeMat revolver was developed by Dr. Jean LeMat of New Orleans, Louisiana, and patented in 1856. LeMat revolvers were manufactured in Liege, Paris and Birmingham c. 1856-1865, total production is estimated at fewer than 2,900 revolvers. Approximately 1,500 LeMat revolvers are thought to have been purchased by the Confederate government during the Civil War. Many senior Confederate officers carried LeMat revolvers. 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 revolver is the most distinctive of all Confederate associated firearms.

Extremely fine. The revolver is completely original and retains 60% of the original high polish blue finish. The balance of the revolver has a mottled blue-brown patina with some minor scattered surface discoloration. The rear face of the cylinder and percussion nipples have light flash pitting. The engraved screw heads are fine and have minimal marks. The barrel markings are crisp. The walnut grips are excellent with a few dings present on the upper right panel. The action is crisp. LeMat revolvers typically show hard service, this is an exceptional example of a Second Model LeMat revolver in exceptional original condition! Writer believes this example to be the finest we have ever offered at auction!