Original LeMat

[beepster]

Interesting....how can a transitional model have a lower serial # than a 1st model??

 

[Obi1gr]

that's one of the reasons I bought it. I've noticed on LeMats, that the serial number does not necessarily dictate the model. It would seem that the configurations are all over the board when it comes to the earlier numbered guns.

For example, serial number 280 is a straight first model in all respects. Serial number 281 which was sold by Collectors Firearms still retains MOST of the first model features, however the loading lever is on the left side of the barrel as seen on transitionals and 2nd models.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Hi all. I have just purchased a transitional model LeMat revolver and saw your thread and wondered if you had it in your data base. It is serial number 625 so likely in the second lot bound for the confederacy. I know Will Gorges (Battleground Antiques New Bern) sold it some time ago but I have purchased it here in the United Kingdom. Incredible how these things get around. I can post some photos shortly if interested.

 

[CW Appraiser]

Hi all. I have just purchased a transitional model LeMat revolver and saw your thread and wondered if you had it in your data base. It is serial number 625 so likely in the second lot bound for the confederacy. I know Will Gorges (Battleground Antiques New Bern) sold it some time ago but I have purchased it here in the United Kingdom. Incredible how these things get around. I can post some photos shortly if interested.

i added SN 625 in 2018, honest gun, saw use, and like vast majority-missing loading assembly

 

[scooter748driver]

Rereading this thread - very interesting weapon. While I'd love to have one I'd likely need to win the lottery or sell most every other CW item I have to afford one. Still, I'd like to learn more about them.

What's a good book to use for research on the LeMat?

 

[Bugattimiller]

Hi Scooter, a very good reference is The Confederate LeMat Revolver by Doug Adams and very reasonably priced.

 

[limestone1863]

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

Fantastic!

 

[scooter748driver]

Here is one that has been for sale for some time. Being a "London" LeMat there's some speculation whether is was imported before the end of the war or not (if you see the comments in the ad it lists on London LeMat that is known to have been on the CSS Alabama.

Old South Military Antiques, LLC Catalog

We deal ONLY in the Highest Quality Original Confederate Antiques in the World. We buy, sell and trade only original Confederate antiques

oldsouthantiques.com

 

[Bugattimiller]

As so many LeMat revolvers have their original loading lever mechanism missing, due to the awkwardness of it, I have wondered if they ever turned up on the loose. As they were easily removed with one screw I'm assuming they were kept to load later, after action. Has anyone got thoughts on this or, better still, found an original one. Just a thought, would be interested in other peoples view.

 

[52ndFandS]

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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Noticed you mention a hairline fracture in the cylinder. Is that from poor steel or just a fault with design?

 

[Bugattimiller]

I believe it was a fault with the earlier LeMat cylinders, being very thin at the outer edge of each chamber.

 

[English Nik]

I have an original percussion LEMAT bought at auction here in UK some months ago. I do not know if it has any direct civil war connections. It has a spur trigger guard and a replacement pop down loading lever. it is stamped 10877 on the underside of the frame beside the trigger and COL.LEMAT. in a banner on the top flat of the barrel. The barrel assembly, frame, grips are all stamped 47 internally. The front face of the cylinder has what looks like a very small and indistinct 4 by the left edge and an equally small and indisdinct 7 by the right edge. The barrel is octagonal, well rifled and the loading lever is on the left. The chambers are .42 and the shot barrel is .62. The cylinder is profusely scroll engraved.. It has had little, if any use and there is some original bluing to the barrel, cylinder and trigger guard, the rest is patinated. The lanyard ring and swivel are missing. I will probably sell it but would appreciate any information about in the meantime.

 

[beepster]

I don't know of any Lemat serial #'s above 2900. Most of the serial numbers are below 2200 and stamped on the lower right side of the frame (just above the trigger guard) and on the right side of the barrel beside the marking L*M. The spur trigger guard disappears somewhere around Serial #500 or so....

 

[Bugattimiller]

I have an original percussion LEMAT bought at auction here in UK some months ago. I do not know if it has any direct civil war connections. It has a spur trigger guard and a replacement pop down loading lever. it is stamped 10877 on the underside of the frame beside the trigger and COL.LEMAT. in a banner on the top flat of the barrel. The barrel assembly, frame, grips are all stamped 47 internally. The front face of the cylinder has what looks like a very small and indistinct 4 by the left edge and an equally small and indisdinct 7 by the right edge. The barrel is octagonal, well rifled and the loading lever is on the left. The chambers are .42 and the shot barrel is .62. The cylinder is profusely scroll engraved.. It has had little, if any use and there is some original bluing to the barrel, cylinder and trigger guard, the rest is patinated. The lanyard ring and swivel are missing. I will probably sell it but would appreciate any information about in the meantime.

Interesting, would love to see some pictures. The serial number is a problem as they never went up that high.