Original LeMat

[Texas Johnny]

Good wife = Happy life. Well done on the wife, investment and the LeMat.

Thank you sir!

 

[Texas Johnny]

An update and a milestone, I now 100 original (full size) LeMat revolvers loaded into the new database. Thank you to all who provided me with information. Not anywhere near done, but this is an excellent start!

 

[WScott]

Congratulations on an exceptional acquisition. On a recent trip I happen to see a LeMat at the Museum and Library of Confederate History. You might be able to contact them for any additional info.

 

[Greshamian]

One thing I wonder about is the hammer. Some LeMats such a yours have a very obvious protuberance (not the best word) on the hammer connected to the adjustment mechanism while others do not. Is there a pattern?

 

[Texas Johnny]

Congratulations on an exceptional acquisition. On a recent trip I happen to see a LeMat at the Museum and Library of Confederate History. You might be able to contact them for any additional info.

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Thanks WScott! I will contact them.

 

[Texas Johnny]

One thing I wonder about is the hammer. Some LeMats such a yours have a very obvious protuberance (not the best word) on the hammer connected to the adjustment mechanism while others do not. Is there a pattern?

Greshamian, I assume you are talking about the pivoting striker on the hammer. This is how you determine which percussion cap to strike, one of nine on the cylinder or the one for the shotgun. The one on mine is one of the many major changes made on the LeMat as it progressed through production. One source said that there were 17 major changes during the LeMat's production life.

The earliest approach with the pivoting striker had it on the bottom of the hammer, without a lever on the top, so it didn't protrude like on mine. See photo below from a prototype LeMat, with the striker at the bottom of the hammer. I don't own a 1st Model, so I don't have any good photos with the hammer cocked. The 1st Model striker was in the same position, but they added two wings to the side which could be pushed up or down to change where the striker would hit. See photo of LeMat serial no. 178 where you can see one of the two wings (circled) on the side of the hammer at the top.

On the 2nd Model, like mine, the earlier pivoting striker lever was improved by placing a different type of lever at the top of the hammer, what you see protruding. In the up position it would strike a percussion cap on the cylinder and pushed down, which could easily be done with your thumb, it would strike the shotgun percussion cap. See photos of my LeMat in both positions.

I hope this answers your question.

 

[Greshamian]

How is the database doing?

 

[Obi1gr]

not sure if I already sent you the information, however the LeMat's I have in my collection are as follows:

396 - 1st model, replaced rammer assembly, listed in Albaughs book by serial number
694 - transitional, complete and matching
1268 - 2nd model (missing lever assembly, but with period holster)
1709 - 2nd model, complete and matching

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Here's my 2:
#14 - 1st model, Paris, matching #s, VG condition.
#1186 - 2nd model, Paris, matching #s, Fine condition.

 

[Texas Johnny]

not sure if I already sent you the information, however the LeMat's I have in my collection are as follows:

396 - 1st model, replaced rammer assembly, listed in Albaughs book by serial number
694 - transitional, complete and matching
1268 - 2nd model (missing lever assembly, but with period holster)
1709 - 2nd model, complete and matching

Yes sir you had already given them to me, they are recorded. Thanks again!

 

[Texas Johnny]

Here's my 2:
#14 - 1st model, Paris, matching #s, VG condition.
#1186 - 2nd model, Paris, matching #s, Fine condition.

Got them on the listing, thanks so very much!

 

[Texas Johnny]

How is the database doing?

I now have 131 in the database plus 3 Baby LeMats.

 

[Papabyrd]

If you decide to do Karr revolvers I have a couple of them

 

[Trooper "D"]

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.

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Congrats Mate. Looks nice.

 

[redbob]

If you decide to do Karr revolvers I have a couple of them

The only gun that I've ever regretted selling was a Kerr.

 

[scooter748driver]

If you decide to do Karr revolvers I have a couple of them

A couple? did I miss the pics? If so please point me to the right thread, and if not post pics!

 

[beepster]

Lemats are supposedly rare but I see many more for sale than I do Kerr revolvers...why is that?

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

A couple? did I miss the pics? If so please point me to the right thread, and if not post pics!

I recently sorted out some of my stash, and I was (sort of) surprised to find that I own 17 Kerr Revolvers, not counting a couple of Spanish made versions!

 

[scooter748driver]

I recently sorted out some of my stash, and I was (sort of) surprised to find that I own 17 Kerr Revolvers, not counting a couple of Spanish made versions!

 

[Obi1gr]

I recently sorted out some of my stash, and I was (sort of) surprised to find that I own 17 Kerr Revolvers, not counting a couple of Spanish made versions!

you've got 10 more than I do!