Second Model LeMat Two-Barrel Percussion Revolver This Paris Second Model LeMat revolver was manufactured circa 1864-1865 and has the distinctive 9-shot, .42 caliber cylinder and 6 1/2 inch octagon barrel with center-mounted, 63 caliber, 5 inch, round, "grapeshot" barrel. The hammer has a pivoting striker that facilitates firing either the upper or lower barrel. A pivoted loading lever is attached to the left side of the frame and secured along the side of the upper barrel. The grip has an integral flared buttcap with lanyard ring hole and is fitted with two-piece, fine checkered, European walnut stocks. The screw heads and escutcheons decorated with simple engraving. The top of the barrel is inscribed with the third style Paris marking: "SYSTme LEMAT Bte S.G.D.G. PARIS". The right side of the barrel is marked the LeMat trademark of a five-pointed star above the block letters "LM". The serial number "1952" is stamped on the right side of the barrel behind the trademark, right side of the frame, right side of the trigger, end of the button latch and the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. "W. DUNCAN." is stamped on the left barrel flat. Origin or history of the aforementioned stamp is unknown. The revolver has a high polish blue finish. The LeMat was popularly known as the "grapeshot revolver" because of the 16 gauge shot barrel. Fewer than 2,900 LeMat revolvers were manufactured between 1856 and 1865. LeMat revolvers are rare and are very desirable Civil War era revolvers. A substantial number of LeMat revolvers were purchased by the Confederate government during the Civil War. Privately purchased LeMat revolvers were carried by a number of prominent Confederate officers such as General J.E.B. Stuart and General P.G.T. Beauregard. Prior to the Civil War General Beauregard strongly endorsed the military procurement of the LeMat revolver. In fact, Beauregard owned 25% of the LeMat company and presented LeMat revolvers as gifts with receptionists including Thomas Henderson of the Savannah Volunteer Guards and General Stonewall Jackson. Beauregard later sold his shares to LeMat for $10,000 after his relationship with LeMat became strained. By his marriage to Justine Sophie in April 1849, LeMat also became cousin to Beauregard who rose to fame as the Confederate general who ordered the first shots of the Civil War on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter and commanded armies in the Western Theater. Manufacturer: Le Mat Model: Percussion BBL: 6 1/2 inch octagon Stock: Gauge: 42 cal/ 16 ga Finish: blue Grips: walnut checkered Serial Number: 1952 Class: Antique Condition: Fine. 40% of the period refinished blue is present on the barrels and traces of original blue finish is present on protected areas of the frame. The cylinder retains 75% bright original blue. The revolver shows minimal firing wear; the percussion nipples and nipple cut-outs on the cylinder retain nearly all of the blue finish and are free from flash pitting. The sides of the frame, grip straps, trigger guard and hammer have moderate handling wear. The blue finish on those components has faded to a mottled silver-gray patina with scattered spots of age discoloration. There are spots of light pitting on both sides of the frame below the hammer, the butt and bottom of the trigger guard. The barrel marks and serial numbers are sharp. The action is tight and functions properly. The grips are both in fine condition with sharp checkering and a few relatively minor handling marks. The historic LeMat revolvers are rarely encountered with any original finish. The loading lever has been repaired and shows file marks under the refurbished blue. This is a solid representative example of a desirable Paris Second LeMat Two-Barrel Percussion Revolver.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 3, 2016 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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Bid Increments
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$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
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