Second Model LeMat two-barrel revolver manufactured in Paris, France c.1864. This revolver features the 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 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 an engraved single-line 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 "2487" behind the trademark. The serial number "2487" is also stamped on the right side of the frame below the cylinder and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The back strap and sides of the frame of this revolver are engraved with simple floral designs and open scrollwork. 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. The 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.

Very good. The exterior of the revolver has a smooth, silver-gray patina. It shows minimal firing wear; the cylinder, percussion nipples and recoil shields show only traces of flash pitting. The revolver has a heavy trigger pull but appears fully functional. The engraved maker's markings on the top of the barrel are faint. The LeMat trademark, serial numbers and engraving are all crisp. The walnut grips have scattered minor dents and handling marks but remain in good overall condition. This is a very respectable example of a rare Presentation Engraved Second Model LeMat revolver. This pistol could be the centerpiece of any Civil War collection.