Rare Second Model LeMat Two-Barrel revolver made in Paris, France, c. 1864-1865. The top flat of the revolver barrel is roll stamped with the third style address "SYSTme LEMAT Bte S.G.D.G. PARIS". The right side of the barrel, the right side of the frame and the side of the cylinder are stamped with the serial number, "2322". The LeMat "Star/LM" is stamped on the right side of the barrel next to the serial number. London "Crown/V" and "Crown/CP" view and proofmarks are stamped on left side of the .42 caliber barrel, the grapeshot barrel and above each chamber of the nine-shot cylinder. The cylinder is stamped with the "M" inspection mark of Confederate Navy inspector Lieutenant William H. Murdaugh who inspected the Paris made LeMat revolvers sent to London for proofing and delivery to the Confederate agents in 1864. The revolver has the Second Model features that include a full octagon .42 caliber barrel, pivoting loading lever on the left side of the barrel, pull out disassembly latch on the front of the frame, round trigger guard with no spur, center mounted change lever on the hammer nose and boss on the butt frame with lanyard ring hole. The revolver has two piece checkered walnut grips. The unique LeMat revolver was patented by Dr. Jean Alexandre Francois LeMat of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1856 and featured a .42 caliber barrel with 9 shot cylinder that revolved on a smooth bore 16 gauge grapeshot barrel. A lever on the hammer pivoted the hammer nose to engage either the percussion nipples on the cylinder or the grapeshot barrel nipple. Approximately 2,900 LeMat revolvers were manufactured in Liege, Paris and Birmingham c.1856-65. During the Civil War the Confederate government awarded contracts for 900 LeMat revolvers for the Army and 600 revolvers for the Navy. A substantial number of LeMat revolvers were carried by prominent Confederate officers during the Civil War. The most famous of these officers was General J.E.B. Stuart who commanded the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia. This revolver is illustrated and described on page 209 of "LeMat, The Man, The Gun" by Forgett and Serpette. "Confederate Handguns" by Albaugh, Benet and Simmons lists LeMat serial number 2239, 2339, 2393, 2448, and 2469 as having London proofmarks and Lieutenant Murdaugh's "M" stamp on the cylinder. A copy of "LeMat, The Man, The Gun" is included with the revolver.

Fine. The revolver is all original. The barrel, cylinder, loading lever, hammer, frame and trigger guard have 40% original blue with the balance an untouched, deep brown patina with scattered patches of light pitting. The percussion nipples on the cylinder have light-moderate flash pitting; one nipple is broken. The walnut grips are fair with moderate-heavy handling wear. The LeMat markings, London proof and view marks, Confederate inspection marks and serial numbers are all crisp. The action is functional but the cylinder timing is off. All LeMat revolvers are scarce and desirable firearms. Confederate inspected LeMat revolvers, like this example are some of the most valuable and difficult to obtain of all Civil War handguns. This is an outstanding example of a unique LeMat two barrel revolver with genuine Confederate Navy inspection marks.