Our Price: sold

Extraordinary 1st Model Lemat Grapeshot Revolver. Serial number 36. This is a beautiful original example of the first production Confederate contracted LeMat grape-shot revolver retaining much original finish.The revolver has the distinctive LeMat 9-shot cyl. 42 caliber rifled bbl with smooth bore ‘grape-shot’ 18 ga bbl for firing buckshot. Top barrel flat is engraved “Col. LeMat's Patent” which is the typical address for 1st model revolvers.

Wiley Sword in his text Firepower From Abroad notes that probably only the first 1450 LeMats made it to the Confederacy in time for the Gettysburg Campaign. If that is the case this would have been one of the very first LeMat's to make it through the blockade. LeMat revolvers were prized by their Confederate owners (and Yankee capturers too). Many notable Confederate Generals and Officers were known to have carried these unique weapons. Almost certainly the most popular side-arm of the Civil War then and now.

This is very fine example, all matching with fine aesthetics and high finish. Original bright blue finish is retained on about 30% of gun, balance of surface is gray with some staining, scratches and other minor cosmetic blemishes. Gun appears 100% original, authentic and matching. Serial number 36 was found on all major parts. Mechanics are fine, bright well discerned shotgun and rifled bores. 1st model LeMat's are scarce and almost never seen with original finish.