Original LeMat revolver
- Thread starter Mr. Buttons
- Start date
Some years ago I saw a Le Mat at a local gun show on the table of a French European fellow that usually had a table back then. (Most unusual.)
His price was $1,200 I think....in rather nice condition.
I looked at the gun briefly and I don't know if it had C.S. markings.
I still don't know how the C.S. marked these guns.
It was bought by a collector in eastern Ontario, and I believe that he still has it.
He has a very good eye for interesting stuff.
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This link is to a dealer in North Carolina that handles a lot of C.S. pieces.
He has many photos of his LeMat.
Confederate LeMat Revolver Ironclad Provenance.
http://www.ccrelics.com/products-fo...nfederate-lemat-revolver-ironclad-provenance#
On the same link he is offering a CONFEDERATE TRANSITIONAL LEMAT REVOLVER ($14,500.)
I bought a very nice early Model 1840 Ames cavalry saber from this fellow....a good guy to deal with.
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Below is a write up on the LeMat done by someone else.
As the name would imply, the LeMat revolver was invented by a LeMat—Dr. Jean Alexander Francois LeMat, a Parisian physician who lived in New Orleans. Even back then during a period where the look and concept of a gun was still being defined, to call the revolver unusual would have been an understatement. Oddly calibrated for .36 or .42 calibre cap and ball, black powder revolver loads, the LeMat’s most prominent feature was a 16 gauge smoothbore under-barrel. The shotgun barrel fired buckshot loads and could be loaded for nine shots at a time.
At close range, it was a killer. The original intent of the weapon was for cavalry in the U.S. Civil War after it earned the support of Commander James ‘Jeb’ Stuart and LeMat’s cousin, P.G.T. Beauregard, who recognized the value of the weapons features in battle.
LeMat began producing the weapon with the backing of Beauregard, who resigned his U.S. Army Commission to become a general in the Confederate Army. John Krider of Philadelphia manufactured the first models, but production had to be moved after the first run (and the start of the Civil War) so LeMat went overseas to Charles Frederic Girard and Son in Paris.
When the Civil War broke out LeMat received Confederate contracts to produce 5000 units with plans to manufacture offshore and then smuggle through the Union naval blockage due to the South’s lack of even rudimentary production facilities. The weapons produced in France were shipped to Briton to be smuggled past the naval blockade. By English law all guns were stamped with British proof markings which lead to the mistaken belief that the pistols that made it to the Confederacy were manufactured in England. Only 2,500 revolvers made into Confederate Service and only about 2,900 LeMat Grapeshot Revolvers were produced from 1856 to 1865.
The weapon’s nine shot cylinder revolved around the separate central 16 gauge barrel. A lever on the end of the hammer permitted the shooter to select the mode of fire and it was because of this ability that the LeMat had the potential to do some crazy things in combat. If the lever was flipped down the moveable striker fell upon the primer set directly under the hammer letting the 16 gauge explain your views to the person on the other end and all about ensuring a serious if not fatal wounding. If it was left in the upper position you found yourself armed with nine chambered rounds, each with about as much punch as a .380 ACP, while other revolver shooters most likely only had six rounds.
Photos of two another LeMats.
Years ago I bought the book shown below on Confederate Revolvers...there are 12 pages detailing the history of the LeMat and the two different models.
A collector friend at that time said why the hell did you ever buy that book you are newer going to own a C.S. revolver......he certainly was right.
David
His price was $1,200 I think....in rather nice condition.
I looked at the gun briefly and I don't know if it had C.S. markings.
I still don't know how the C.S. marked these guns.
It was bought by a collector in eastern Ontario, and I believe that he still has it.
He has a very good eye for interesting stuff.
-------------------------------------------------------------
This link is to a dealer in North Carolina that handles a lot of C.S. pieces.
He has many photos of his LeMat.
Confederate LeMat Revolver Ironclad Provenance.
http://www.ccrelics.com/products-fo...nfederate-lemat-revolver-ironclad-provenance#
On the same link he is offering a CONFEDERATE TRANSITIONAL LEMAT REVOLVER ($14,500.)
I bought a very nice early Model 1840 Ames cavalry saber from this fellow....a good guy to deal with.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Below is a write up on the LeMat done by someone else.
As the name would imply, the LeMat revolver was invented by a LeMat—Dr. Jean Alexander Francois LeMat, a Parisian physician who lived in New Orleans. Even back then during a period where the look and concept of a gun was still being defined, to call the revolver unusual would have been an understatement. Oddly calibrated for .36 or .42 calibre cap and ball, black powder revolver loads, the LeMat’s most prominent feature was a 16 gauge smoothbore under-barrel. The shotgun barrel fired buckshot loads and could be loaded for nine shots at a time.
At close range, it was a killer. The original intent of the weapon was for cavalry in the U.S. Civil War after it earned the support of Commander James ‘Jeb’ Stuart and LeMat’s cousin, P.G.T. Beauregard, who recognized the value of the weapons features in battle.
LeMat began producing the weapon with the backing of Beauregard, who resigned his U.S. Army Commission to become a general in the Confederate Army. John Krider of Philadelphia manufactured the first models, but production had to be moved after the first run (and the start of the Civil War) so LeMat went overseas to Charles Frederic Girard and Son in Paris.
When the Civil War broke out LeMat received Confederate contracts to produce 5000 units with plans to manufacture offshore and then smuggle through the Union naval blockage due to the South’s lack of even rudimentary production facilities. The weapons produced in France were shipped to Briton to be smuggled past the naval blockade. By English law all guns were stamped with British proof markings which lead to the mistaken belief that the pistols that made it to the Confederacy were manufactured in England. Only 2,500 revolvers made into Confederate Service and only about 2,900 LeMat Grapeshot Revolvers were produced from 1856 to 1865.
The weapon’s nine shot cylinder revolved around the separate central 16 gauge barrel. A lever on the end of the hammer permitted the shooter to select the mode of fire and it was because of this ability that the LeMat had the potential to do some crazy things in combat. If the lever was flipped down the moveable striker fell upon the primer set directly under the hammer letting the 16 gauge explain your views to the person on the other end and all about ensuring a serious if not fatal wounding. If it was left in the upper position you found yourself armed with nine chambered rounds, each with about as much punch as a .380 ACP, while other revolver shooters most likely only had six rounds.
Photos of two another LeMats.
Years ago I bought the book shown below on Confederate Revolvers...there are 12 pages detailing the history of the LeMat and the two different models.
A collector friend at that time said why the hell did you ever buy that book you are newer going to own a C.S. revolver......he certainly was right.
David
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If memory serves me right there should be three standard Lemat revolver models, plus the Baby Lemat and the carbine.
I have seen all of these in one private collection. The Lemat carbine was a Confederate gun and I believe the full size revolvers were also Confederate. The Baby was not.
Mind you this collection also had variations of the Spiller and Burr, a couple Leech and Rigdon, a Dance Bros, Columbus Fire arms, Griswold & Gunnison and Tucker & Sherrard, Schneider and Glassick, and an Ansley and a Cofer. It was an honor to actually see these pieces as some are beyond rare. Now...the Confederate carbines is another story. We did a display of this fellows colection at a gun show with just a few of the carbines in the collection, plus a couple handguns, sabre, and d-guard bowie...all Confederate.
I have seen all of these in one private collection. The Lemat carbine was a Confederate gun and I believe the full size revolvers were also Confederate. The Baby was not.
Mind you this collection also had variations of the Spiller and Burr, a couple Leech and Rigdon, a Dance Bros, Columbus Fire arms, Griswold & Gunnison and Tucker & Sherrard, Schneider and Glassick, and an Ansley and a Cofer. It was an honor to actually see these pieces as some are beyond rare. Now...the Confederate carbines is another story. We did a display of this fellows colection at a gun show with just a few of the carbines in the collection, plus a couple handguns, sabre, and d-guard bowie...all Confederate.
Some more Le Mat revolver stuff.
CONFEDERATE TRANSITIONAL LEMAT REVOLVER
Serial number 805. Caliber 42/18 ga. This is an original example of an transitional LeMat with mostly first model features other than the placement of the loading assembly on the frame and change of lanyard swivel to solid round slot. Matching serial number 805 appears on most parts of the gun. This gun has full octagonal breech and barrel address reading "COL. LEMAT Bte s.g.d.g. PARIS". This gun is original and authentic throughout with exception of loading assembly which is so often missing on actually used LeMat revolvers. Some estimates on first and transitional Models surviving with orig loading assemblies may be only 10-20%. This gun conforms to other known examples with spur trigger guard, early reciprocating pin mechanism, 1st Model style lever latch and removable shotgun cyl. This is an honest example of a functional transitional LeMat that most likely saw Confederate service during the Civil War.
$14,000
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LeMat, Paris second Model Percussion Double Barrel Revolver .42 Calibre and 16 Gauge
$35,000
http://hallowellco.com/lemat.htm
NOTE----Beautiful photos of this revolver on this link.
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CASED BABY LeMAT NO. 20
$175,000
http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/3463
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A write up on the three principal models.....correct or not I don't know.
(I certainly did not write it.)
ALL Le Mat revolvers of the Civil War period feature a 9 rounds, .41 caliber percussion cylinder, and a central 20 gauge smooth bore barrel. Well made and solid, these revolvers are undoubtedly superior to all percussion revolvers used in the Civil War.
THE FIRST MODEL
The first model has a round barrel with an octagonal section at the barrel lug; the ramrod is attached at the right side of the barrel, and they have a spur to the trigger guard. The butt plate is somewhat rounded, and has a classical type swivel ring. The main spring, located in the grip, is very short. serial numbers range from 1 to 450 and the guns are also stamped with the Le Mat logo, being a L and a M in cursive letters in a circle.
THE SECOND MODEL
Following the changes advised by the Army, the second model has a full octagonal barrel, with the ramrod attached to the left side. It has the rounded trigger guard, and the swivel ring is integral with the butt plate. The Le Mat logo on these revolvers are the capitals L and M in blockletters, surmounted by a five-points star. The main spring is far longer than on the first model, but all other features are identical. Serail numbers range from 950 to about 2500.
THE SO-CALLED "TRANSITION MODEL"
Serial numbers between 450 and 950 are revolvers made with parts of both 1st and 2nd model; some have the full octagon barrel mounted on a 1rst model frame, or any other combination. No satisfying explanation to this uncommon production has been found up to now.
There are five, or even six different markings found on Le Mat's barrels, whether they were produced in the USA, France or the UK.
David
CONFEDERATE TRANSITIONAL LEMAT REVOLVER
Serial number 805. Caliber 42/18 ga. This is an original example of an transitional LeMat with mostly first model features other than the placement of the loading assembly on the frame and change of lanyard swivel to solid round slot. Matching serial number 805 appears on most parts of the gun. This gun has full octagonal breech and barrel address reading "COL. LEMAT Bte s.g.d.g. PARIS". This gun is original and authentic throughout with exception of loading assembly which is so often missing on actually used LeMat revolvers. Some estimates on first and transitional Models surviving with orig loading assemblies may be only 10-20%. This gun conforms to other known examples with spur trigger guard, early reciprocating pin mechanism, 1st Model style lever latch and removable shotgun cyl. This is an honest example of a functional transitional LeMat that most likely saw Confederate service during the Civil War.
$14,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LeMat, Paris second Model Percussion Double Barrel Revolver .42 Calibre and 16 Gauge
$35,000
http://hallowellco.com/lemat.htm
NOTE----Beautiful photos of this revolver on this link.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASED BABY LeMAT NO. 20
$175,000
http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/3463
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A write up on the three principal models.....correct or not I don't know.
(I certainly did not write it.)
ALL Le Mat revolvers of the Civil War period feature a 9 rounds, .41 caliber percussion cylinder, and a central 20 gauge smooth bore barrel. Well made and solid, these revolvers are undoubtedly superior to all percussion revolvers used in the Civil War.
THE FIRST MODEL
The first model has a round barrel with an octagonal section at the barrel lug; the ramrod is attached at the right side of the barrel, and they have a spur to the trigger guard. The butt plate is somewhat rounded, and has a classical type swivel ring. The main spring, located in the grip, is very short. serial numbers range from 1 to 450 and the guns are also stamped with the Le Mat logo, being a L and a M in cursive letters in a circle.
THE SECOND MODEL
Following the changes advised by the Army, the second model has a full octagonal barrel, with the ramrod attached to the left side. It has the rounded trigger guard, and the swivel ring is integral with the butt plate. The Le Mat logo on these revolvers are the capitals L and M in blockletters, surmounted by a five-points star. The main spring is far longer than on the first model, but all other features are identical. Serail numbers range from 950 to about 2500.
THE SO-CALLED "TRANSITION MODEL"
Serial numbers between 450 and 950 are revolvers made with parts of both 1st and 2nd model; some have the full octagon barrel mounted on a 1rst model frame, or any other combination. No satisfying explanation to this uncommon production has been found up to now.
There are five, or even six different markings found on Le Mat's barrels, whether they were produced in the USA, France or the UK.
David
What an interesting revolver that Dr. Le Mat designed back them.
With the Union blockade of Southern ports I wonder how getting adequate ammunition was accomplished as it was certainly a different caliber.
This .42 caliber Le Mat revolver has a nine-chambered cylinder and weighs about four pounds. What makes this revolver unique is the addition of a second smoothbore barrel, of approximately .63 caliber, underneath the barrel. This larger barrel was designed to fire buckshot (20 guage). The top of the hammer was fitted with a pivoting striker that could be rotated to fire the .42 caliber rounds or changed to fire the lower, larger barrel.
David
With the Union blockade of Southern ports I wonder how getting adequate ammunition was accomplished as it was certainly a different caliber.
This .42 caliber Le Mat revolver has a nine-chambered cylinder and weighs about four pounds. What makes this revolver unique is the addition of a second smoothbore barrel, of approximately .63 caliber, underneath the barrel. This larger barrel was designed to fire buckshot (20 guage). The top of the hammer was fitted with a pivoting striker that could be rotated to fire the .42 caliber rounds or changed to fire the lower, larger barrel.
David
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Not a Le Mat revolver but a rather unusual carbine creation. SOLD on RIA.
This rare pinfire/percussion LeMat carbine features a 19 3/4" octagon to round 11mm rifled upper barrel and 18 3/4" round approximately 58 caliber rifled lower barrel. Raised bead front and two leaf rear sights, with "COLLA LEMAT BRTE" followed by "206" and a "crown / G" proof mark on the left barrel flat, and the bottom barrel is numbered "136" with a Liege proof. The right front barrel band and right side of the upper barrel are equipped with guides which secure an iron tulip headed ramrod. It has a 9 round pinfire cylinder which revolves around the percussion shot barrel. The rear barrel band has a large sling swivel ring. Mounted with a smooth straight grip stock with an iron buttplate and large sling swivel ring.
BBL: 19 3/4 inch part octagon, 18 3/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 11 mm
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 206
Condition: Very good, with approximately 30% of the original blue finish, concentrated on the rear halves of the barrels and on the cylinder, the forward half of the barrels showing a spotty brown with scattered areas of minor to moderate pitting on the barrels, recoil shield, buttplate and cylinder. Approximately 40% original faded case colors remain, with the balance having a grayish brown patina. The stock is fine with much of the varnish remaining with some minor crazing and some scattered minor gouges on the right toe area and scattered minor dents and scratches. Mechanically needs adjustment.
SOLD
12,000.00USDto floor+ (2,340.00) buyer's premium + taxes, fees, etc...
This item SOLD at 2010 Sep 11 @ 11:07UTC-5 : EST/CDT
David
P.S.
Another one.
RIA auction for Le Mat percussion carbine
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/the-finest-known-extremely-rare-model-1863-lemat-1-c-1p0ynnlpfl
This rare pinfire/percussion LeMat carbine features a 19 3/4" octagon to round 11mm rifled upper barrel and 18 3/4" round approximately 58 caliber rifled lower barrel. Raised bead front and two leaf rear sights, with "COLLA LEMAT BRTE" followed by "206" and a "crown / G" proof mark on the left barrel flat, and the bottom barrel is numbered "136" with a Liege proof. The right front barrel band and right side of the upper barrel are equipped with guides which secure an iron tulip headed ramrod. It has a 9 round pinfire cylinder which revolves around the percussion shot barrel. The rear barrel band has a large sling swivel ring. Mounted with a smooth straight grip stock with an iron buttplate and large sling swivel ring.
BBL: 19 3/4 inch part octagon, 18 3/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 11 mm
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 206
Condition: Very good, with approximately 30% of the original blue finish, concentrated on the rear halves of the barrels and on the cylinder, the forward half of the barrels showing a spotty brown with scattered areas of minor to moderate pitting on the barrels, recoil shield, buttplate and cylinder. Approximately 40% original faded case colors remain, with the balance having a grayish brown patina. The stock is fine with much of the varnish remaining with some minor crazing and some scattered minor gouges on the right toe area and scattered minor dents and scratches. Mechanically needs adjustment.
SOLD
12,000.00USDto floor+ (2,340.00) buyer's premium + taxes, fees, etc...
This item SOLD at 2010 Sep 11 @ 11:07UTC-5 : EST/CDT
David
P.S.
Another one.
RIA auction for Le Mat percussion carbine
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/the-finest-known-extremely-rare-model-1863-lemat-1-c-1p0ynnlpfl
maple leaf
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
LOL, gotta love Dr. "Doc" Theophilus Algernon Tanner - By The Three Kennedy's! ah fond memories of reading those books too.
Thanks for posting my favorite firearm of all time. Great stuff.
There is a new filly in the stable today. I've always wanted one and finally bit the bullet. Pietta from Marstar, they were a dream to work with, as always.
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It is even more impressive in person. What an amazing piece of engineering. I'm not sure which is more impressive, my Colt Walker, for its brutal simplicity or the LeMat, as a work of engineering art. Shooting report to follow.
It is even more impressive in person. What an amazing piece of engineering. I'm not sure which is more impressive, my Colt Walker, for its brutal simplicity or the LeMat, as a work of engineering art. Shooting report to follow.
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