April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
The first of these guns were shipped in crates of 25 and sent to Richmond, Virginia for inspection, and was completed in July of 1863. These transitional models features full octagon barrel with the loading arm now mounted on the left side of frame instead of barrel. They are also referred to as the Old Paris Model as evidenced by the stylized barrel address that is stamped "COL LEMAT Bte SGDG". You will find the early matching serial number 526 stamped on frame, cylinder, and left side of barrel, which is also stamped "LM". It is believed these were all made at LeJay & Massiaux. All these early Paris transition models were made during the Civil War. This revolver has become synonymous with the Confederacy, in particular, Confederate officers, of which it was a favorite sidearm. Perfectly suited to the Cavalry. It is a nine shot .42 caliber percussion with 6-1/2" barrel with a smoothbore 5" barrel in .63 caliber. Serial number range places it directly in the Transition Models (450 to 950). They came standard with blued finish, checkered walnut grips and lanyard skullcrusher butt. Right side of barrel is stamped "LM". CONDITION: This revolver has a clean, blending blue-brown, finish with some flashes of remaining blue. There is some denting on smoothbore barrel. Frame has a touch of wiped-on finish. Hammer exhibits pitting on both sides. Each grip panel has a small 1/4" chip missing. Cylinder indexes correctly. Exhibits strong, defined rifling with a slight ring approximately 1" from muzzle. Grooves are still shiny. Fine example of a true Civil War Confederate LeMat. One of the most desirable of all Confederate handguns, this example is far above average. CORRECTION: After further examination, it has been discovered that this revolver has a contemporary reproduction rammer assembly as well as several areas of welding on the shotgun barrel and the interior of the breech cone. No original finish remains and the mainspring is a modern replacement. The barrel markings have been enhanced at a more recent time period. The cylinder has a full length crack in one chamber from apparent overload during use.
Barrel Length
6 - 1/2" / 4 - 3/4"
Caliber/Bore
.42 Percussion / .63 Smoothbore