Another revolver in this serial number range (no. 8584) is identified as having belonged to Lt. Simeon Cummings of the C.S.S. Alabama and believed to be manufactured c. 1863 in "LeMat: The Man, The Gun" by Forgett and Serpette. It is unknown how many others were potentially ordered by Captain Raphael Semmes for that ship, but this revolver may well have been among them. Cummings committed suicide with that revolver while in South Africa according to local records which explains how it ended up remaining there until fairly recently. In "The Confederate LeMat Revolver", by Adams, revolvers in the 8,000-9,009 range are identified as having been manufactured by Tipping & Lawden in 1864 and 1865 and partially farmed out to other gunmakers for finishing. They were manufactured under contract with the Confederate Navy (seep pages 109-110). This revolver has a bead style blade front sight, "LEMAT & GIRARD'S PATENT LONDON" on top of the barrel, "8678" on the right side of the barrel and frame as well as the cylinder, "708" on the rear face of the cylinder between two nipples, a fleur-de-lis stamp on the left grip (noted on other London marked LeMats), and Birmingham proofs including the "18" gauge marking on the shot barrel.

Very good plus with patches of original blue finish concentrated on the barrel and otherwise mostly smooth and dark brown patina, some areas of mild pitting, minor dings and marks, and crisp markings. The grips are also very good and have distinct checkering, smooth oiled finish, some minor scratches and pressure marks, and minor wear at the edges. Mechanically fine. All surviving LeMat revolvers are incredibly valuable and highly sought after artifacts, and few collectors get the privilege of adding one to their collections. Do not miss your chance to own one of the most distinctive revolvers of all time!