This is extremely scarce example of a Baby LeMat cartridge revolver that was awarded the coveted silver medal by the National Rifle Association at the 1991 NRA convention (not included). LeMat percussion revolvers, which were purchased by the Confederate government during the American Civil War and were carried by many senior Confederate officers, went out of production in 1865 to be replaced by rimfire and pinfire versions and finally centerfire versions. The first known centerfire example of a LeMat revolver was manufactured in 1866. LeMat's first centerfire revolver patent appeared in France in early 1868. This revolver has an octagon 9 mm centerfire rifled barrel with 9-shot cylinder and a center barrel rifled and chambered for a single 12 mm centerfire cartridge. The 12 mm barrel is numbered "129" and has various proofs, including Liege "ELG", "Crown/R," "Star/E" on the bottom. The left side of the frame and the bottom flat of the 9 mm barrel are numbered "45." Additional "Crown/R" and "Star/E" proofs are stamped on the right barrel flat of the 9 mm barrel and right side of the frame. The hammer has a high barrel switch lever, and there is no provision for an ejector rod. The two-piece grips are European walnut with an elliptical steel screw escutcheon. The revolver barrels, cylinder and frame have a black lacquer finish. The small components and screws are bright. Included with the revolver is a copy of U.S. patent 97,780 awarded to Francois LeMat for centerfire revolver on December 14, 1869. In all, LeMat secured 11 patents for his centerfire revolver. The patents were acquired in France, England, Belgium and the United Sates.

Very fine. The revolver retains at least 70% of the original blue with lacquer finish overall. Wear is concentrated primarily on high points and the grip straps. The bores of both barrels are in fine condition. The grips are in fine condition and show only light to moderate handling wear. All markings are sharp. The revolver is in excellent mechanical condition. Only a handful of Baby LeMat revolvers were manufactured; these diminutive revolvers are the most desirable of the rare and desirable LeMat series. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.