This is a very fine example of a LeMat Second Model revolver manufactured in Paris, c. 1864-1865. The revolver has the unique combination of a .42 caliber rifled barrel with nine-shot percussion cylinder and centrally-mounted .63 caliber smoothbore buckshot barrel. It has the distinctive features found on Paris-made revolvers that include an 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 hammer is casehardened. The heads of the frame and grip screws are engraved. 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 "1318" followed by the "*/LM" LeMat logo. The serial number "1318" is located on the right side of the frame below the cylinder, on the side of the cylinder and on the right side of the trigger. All of the visible serial numbers match. The letter "J" is stamped on the left side of the hammer. Designed 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 2900 revolvers. The Confederate government purchased approximately 1,500 LeMat revolvers during the Civil War. LeMat revolvers were popular with Confederate senior officers. The most famous LeMat owner was the Confederate cavalryman General J.E.B. Stuart. General Stuart was carrying 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 Civil War handguns. This revolver is photographed and described on pages 101, 105 and 138 of "LEMAT THE MAN, THE GUN" by Forgett and Serpette. A signed copy of the book is included marked 23 of 100.

Very fine. The revolver is completely original and retains 50% plus of the high polish blue finish. The balance of the revolver has a silver-gray patina. The case colors on the hammer have silvered and the hammer has some patches of age discoloration. The percussion nipples and front and rear face of the hammer have minimal flash pitting and the revolver shows very little firing related wear. All of the markings on the barrel, frame, cylinder and hammer are crisp. The grips are good with moderate handling wear. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very fine, original example of a rare and important documented Confederate associated Civil War era revolver that is difficult to find with this much original finish.