Scarce early, British-made, LeMat Two-Barrel Revolver manufactured c. 1863. The revolver has the distinctive full-octagon, rifled, .42 caliber barrel and nine shot cylinder that rotates on a central, smooth bore, 63 caliber, buckshot barrel. The hammer has a pivoting nose with central change lever. The loading lever is located on the left side of the barrel. The round trigger guard lacks the spur found on early, Liege, LeMat revolvers. The butt frame has a hole in the boss for a lanyard ring. The two-piece walnut grips are checkered. The top of the barrel lacks the "LEMAT & GIRARDS PATENT" marking found on most British LeMat revolvers. The serial number "179" is stamped on the rifled barrel, shotgun barrel, frame, cylinder, loading arm, plunger and trigger guard. All of the visible serial numbers match. The proof number "18" and small Birmingham proof and inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the buckshot barrel. Birmingham proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left flat of the revolver barrel and above each revolver chamber. The British LeMat revolvers were apparently manufactured at the same time as the Parisian LeMat revolvers. Serial numbers of the few surviving British LeMat percussion revolvers are inconsistent and the production numbers for the British LeMat revolvers are unknown. At least one British made LeMat revolver, serial number "8584", is known to have been carried by an officer of the Confederate raider C.S.S. Alabama in 1863. Designed by Dr. Jean LeMat of New Orleans, some 2900 LeMat percussion revolvers and manufactured in Liege, Paris and Birmingham c.1856-1865. An estimated 1500 LeMat revolvers were purchased by the Confederate government during the Civil War. LeMat revolvers proved popular with senior Confederate officers including the famous cavalryman General J.E.B. Stuart.

Good as partially refinished. The revolver has an even, gray-brown, artificial patina. There is scattered light pitting on most components. The serial numbers and British proof and inspection marks are legible. The grips are in good condition with moderate handling wear. The action requires repair and the hammer will not hold at full-cock. This is a good example of a scarce Civil War era British-made LeMat Two-Barrel revolver.