These distinctive handguns were designed by Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans in 1855 but mostly manufactured in Europe in the 1860s. They were most famously used by Confederate forces during the Civil War though they only received a small number due to the Union blockades. The defining feature of the LeMat is its central smoothbore barrel which was used like a short barreled shotgun. The cylinders also held more shots than most other revolvers, nine in this example. It is in the same configuration as LeMats nos. 1442 and 1953 pictured on pages 68 and 69 of "LeMat: The Man, The Gun" by Forgett and Serpette. It has triangular front sight, "Col. Le Mat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris" in Gothic script with engraved border, "*/LM" on the right side ahead of the serial number, pull-out assembly latch, hammer groove rear sight, nine-shot cylinder, central hammer switch, checkered grip, and lanyard loop without a ring. The matching serial number is on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, shot barrel, frame, and trigger, and "88" is marked on the grips in pencil and stamped on the right side of the front strap. "K" and "5" are on the recoil shield, and "5" and "B" are on the face of the cylinder. The "B" is noted in the book as a marking indicating French production.