June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
This is a late Paris Model, nearly identical to the one found on page 71 in the book "The Confederate LeMat Revolver". It is a nine shot, single action .44 caliber percussion revolver with octagon barrel and a single 20 bore barrel beneath pistol barrel and a factory lanyard ring. This French-made revolver was widely used and very popular with the South during the Civil War and literally made the user a one-man army. Top of the barrel is stamped from cylinder to muzzle "SYSTme LEMAT Bte S.G.D.G. PARIS". This particular revolver has the scarce London proof marks on cylinder, which include the crown over "V". These London marks can be found on page 70; according to the book, Girard & Gautherin were agents that assumed the responsibilities of percussion production of the LeMat for the Confederacy. It is assumed that these London stamped guns were made in late 1863 or 1864. They were manufactured in Paris and then shipped to London for proofing to ensure quality. There is a "1" stamped on firing pin shroud and an "N" stamped on left side of hammer. Left side of both barrels have the London mark, as does each cylinder. Right side of barrel is stamped "L.M." with star. Has all matching serial numbers to include cylinder, barrel and frame. All original nipples. Checkered walnut stock with engraved escutcheon. Letter "M" in a box is stamped on the cylinder. Indexes perfectly. Strong bore with light black powder corrosion. Near mint walnut grips. Left panel has minute chip at left top. Overall, the barrel retains 40-50% original factory blue finish mixing with a smooth brown patina and razor sharp legends. This blue-brown patina mix is present on nearly all surfaces of this LeMat. Grips are excellent with sharp checkering. Beautiful walnut. This revolver has a wonderful, homogeneous look about it. Entire revolver is blue with a major portion of that intact, mixing with a soft brown, even patina showing through. Great mid-war Confederate LeMat in excellent condition.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion