Texas Johnny
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2019
- Location
- Texas
Growing up in the South, one of my heroes, as a young boy was JEB Stuart. When I got a little older, I learned that Stuart used the biggest and baddest handgun anywhere, the LeMat Grapeshot revolver. Since then, I have always wanted a LeMat, but cost wise they were always beyond my means. I ended up a few years ago buying a replica figuring I would just have to be content with it.
A number of years ago I made a very good investment, and I just recently sold it. With my wife's approval, I used some of the profits to purchase an original LeMat. I received it yesterday and although I own many different Civil War era firearms (33) this immediately has become my favorite. See photos, it is a Second Model (Stuart had the First Model) and based on the serial number it was manufactured in Paris in late 1862 or early 1863. It came to the Confederacy by way of a blockade runner, likely coming in at Wilmington, NC. As one can see it has seen very heavy usage. it is complete with the original loading lever (they are often missing or replaced) and it appears to be all original with the possible exception of one screw. It is fully functional but does have a small hairline crack in the cylinder (LeMats were notorious for having that problem). Thanks to my investment, my wife, and the good Lord's many blessings, a lifelong desire has now been fulfilled.
I have started building a database, by serial number, of known LeMats still in existence. I started with mine and my list has already grown to 85 original full-sized LeMats. I started a separate list of Baby LeMats, but only have found 2 so far. I am capturing data such as serial number, model, date sold, price paid, seller, barrel markings, issues with the handgun, and other markings on it. I am still tweaking the database, but I will make it available to anyone when I am finished with it or I can check a serial number for you. If you have an original LeMat, PM me if you would like yours added to the database. If you don't want some of the data listed, just send me what you are comfortable with, although I do need the serial number to include it. Perhaps someday I may build a website solely devoted to the LeMat.
A number of years ago I made a very good investment, and I just recently sold it. With my wife's approval, I used some of the profits to purchase an original LeMat. I received it yesterday and although I own many different Civil War era firearms (33) this immediately has become my favorite. See photos, it is a Second Model (Stuart had the First Model) and based on the serial number it was manufactured in Paris in late 1862 or early 1863. It came to the Confederacy by way of a blockade runner, likely coming in at Wilmington, NC. As one can see it has seen very heavy usage. it is complete with the original loading lever (they are often missing or replaced) and it appears to be all original with the possible exception of one screw. It is fully functional but does have a small hairline crack in the cylinder (LeMats were notorious for having that problem). Thanks to my investment, my wife, and the good Lord's many blessings, a lifelong desire has now been fulfilled.
I have started building a database, by serial number, of known LeMats still in existence. I started with mine and my list has already grown to 85 original full-sized LeMats. I started a separate list of Baby LeMats, but only have found 2 so far. I am capturing data such as serial number, model, date sold, price paid, seller, barrel markings, issues with the handgun, and other markings on it. I am still tweaking the database, but I will make it available to anyone when I am finished with it or I can check a serial number for you. If you have an original LeMat, PM me if you would like yours added to the database. If you don't want some of the data listed, just send me what you are comfortable with, although I do need the serial number to include it. Perhaps someday I may build a website solely devoted to the LeMat.
Last edited:
Forum Host
..
..
Bringing the