This is an example of a Second Model LeMat two-barrel revolver that was manufactured in Paris, France circa 1864. This revolver features the unique combination of a conventional .42 caliber barrel with percussion nine-shot cylinder and a centrally mounted, smoothbore .63 caliber buckshot barrel. The hammer is equipped with a pivoting striker that fires either the percussion nipples on the cylinder or the single nipple of the buckshot barrel. The revolver has the distinctive Paris Second Model features that include a full octagon revolver barrel, round trigger guard with no spur, loading lever on the left side of the barrel, pull-out button on the frame and fixed lanyard ring hole in the frame. The serial number "1421" indicates that the revolver probably has the early reciprocating pin cylinder utilized before the later cog mechanism introduced in 1864 about serial number 2000. The revolver has two-piece finely checkered European walnut grips. The top barrel flat is hand-engraved "Col. LeMAT, BTE. S.q.d.g. PARIS" in a rectangular panel with flourishes at either end. The LeMat trademark which consists of the letters "LM" below a five-pointed star is stamped on the right side of the barrel. The right side of the barrel is stamped with the serial number "1421" behind the trademark. The serial number "1421" is also stamped on the right side of the frame below the cylinder and on the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number is stamped on the takedown pin. All of the visible serial numbers match. 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 circa 1856-1866; total production is estimated at fewer than 2,900 revolvers. A substantial but unknown number of LeMat revolvers were purchased by the Confederate government during the Civil War. Many senior Confederate officers carried LeMat revolvers. 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.

About good. The revolver has a smooth silver-gray patina on all components. The barrel marking and serial numbers are sharp. The percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder have light flash pitting. The loading lever is a replacement. The walnut grips are in fair condition with moderate to heavy handling wear. The action is tight and functions well. This is a good looking example of the revolver most widely recognized Confederate Civil War revolver.