GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE CONFEDERATE 1ST MODEL LEMAT GRAPESHOT REVOLVER FOUND AFTER BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA, SN 105.LEMAT1ST MDL10542/16Cal. 42/18. Standard configuration 7-1/4" oct to rnd bbl, 5-1/8" shotgun bbl, 9 shot cylinder with central shotgun cylinder which is operated by latch on hammer. This is a fine orig example of a rarely offered 1st Model LeMat that Mr. Donaldson purchased from an Ocala, FL family that related the story that their grandfather who as a boy found it on the Chickamauga battlefield. The gun was missing the loading assembly and latch which Mr. Donaldson had restored. This gun has all the rare 1st Model features, including earliest bbl markings of "COL. LeMAT'S PATENT", loading assembly attached to bbl on right side of gun, spur trigger guard and pinned lanyard ring stud, reciprocating pin cylinder rotation system. This gun is all orig with exception of well restored latch and loading arm, now complete and functional. SN "105" is found on every other part where SN's are normally found including shotgun bbl, frame and cylinder. 1st Model LeMat's are rarely found today with such honest aesthetics and crisp discernible markings showing honest use. PROVENANCE: The Confederate and Civil War estate collection of Fred Donaldson. CONDITION: Very good overall. Gray/plum color overall. Crisp markings, edgewear, staining and pitting. Gun was not disassembled, but appears orig and matching with exception of restored loading arm and latch. Stocks are well fit with diamond point wear, hand worn patina. Mechanically sound with good rifled bore. 52430-10 JS (15,000-18,000)