GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE CONFEDERATE TRANSITIONAL LEMAT GRAPESHOT REVOLVER.LEMATTRANSITIONAL73242/18Cal. 42/18. This is an orig example of a transitional LeMat with mostly 1st Model features including most notably swivel lanyard loop on butt and spur on trigger guard. Other than that placement of the loading assembly on the frame and not bbl and bbl address, this gun appears as a 1st Model. No doubt most all 1st Models and transitional models with these features saw hard Confederate use. All parts observed on this gun are SNd 732. This gun has full oct breech and bbl with bbl address reading "COL. LEMAT Bte s.g.d.g. PARIS". This gun appears orig and authentic, however, the loading assembly which is so often missing on actually used LeMat revolvers is professionally restored on this specimen. Some estimates on 1st and transitional Models surviving with orig loading assemblies may be only 10-20%. This gun conforms to other known examples with spur trigger guard and reciprocating pin mechanism and 1st Model style lever latch. This is an honest and orig example of a functional transitional LeMat that most likely saw Confederate service during the Civil War. PROVENANCE: This gun has been in the family collection and has not been on the market for over 50 years. CONDITION: Metal overall is grey/brown with pitting. SNs and bbl address are all well marked and discernible as can be seen in photographs. Lanyard stud retains orig ring. Dove-tailed front sight is orig. Hammer is complete, retaining orig shotgun selector with the early side projections. Gun appears all orig with exception of restored loading assembly which has excellent matching color to rest of gun. Grips are well fit, sound and solid with heavily worn checkering, numerous dings, dents, scratches and other minor blemishes consistent with the gun overall, hand worn patina. Mechanically, gun functions fairly well with well defined rifling. Overall, this is a very honest early Confederate LeMat that no doubt saw use with good markings and aesthetics from muzzle to butt. 52250-1 JS (12,000-15,000)