Original LeMat

[Cornpone and Molasses]

What an amazing acquisition. I have always loved the LeMat revolver. I'm very happy for you. A little jealous too lol. JEB Stuart was the the Dirty Harry Callahan of his day!!

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Thanks Patrick! Glad to do the database, good idea on the paper version. I was told that there were only about 70 left, but I quickly found out that is not the case. Likely more like 200 have survived, but that is just a guess.

Databases are extremely useful in rarities like these LeMats. I own a B suffix blockade run Tower Enfield which is number 50 of 50 known to survive as a complete musket. Interesting side note is that it not only survived the war it also managed to survive two house fires. The previous owner's and a very bad fire we had in April.

 

[Papabyrd]

I missed a LeMat at the March Alabama Gun Collectors show in Hoover AL. The dealer was not sure it was a real LeMat and had $3,200.00 on it. That was on Saturday. I went home and did some looking on the internet and saw it was real. Went back the next morning to buy it and the dealer was gone home. But I found out later he had sold it to another dealer and the price had gone out of my bank account.

 

[JCK]

This is my GG Grandfather, what gun is he holding?

 

[UCVRelics]

This is my GG Grandfather, what gun is he holding?

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Look like a model 1860 44 cal Colt.

 

[JCK]

Look like a model 1860 44 cal Colt.
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Thanks

 

[Ralph Heinz]

Did you contact Hayes Otoupalik about his collection of LeMats? The last time I visited him, he had 8 of them including a carbine which was several years ago. If not, I can send you his email address.

 

[Texas Johnny]

Did you contact Hayes Otoupalik about his collection of LeMats? The last time I visited him, he had 8 of them including a carbine which was several years ago. If not, I can send you his email address.

That's amazing, 8 Lemats, including a carbine, wow! No, I have not contacted him, I do not know him. If you want to PM me his email address I will definately make contact. Thanks so much!

 

[Texas Johnny]

This is my GG Grandfather, what gun is he holding?

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JCK, I agree with UCVRelics, it does not look like a LeMat to me. Terrific photo, very cool!

 

[Texas Johnny]

I missed a LeMat at the March Alabama Gun Collectors show in Hoover AL. The dealer was not sure it was a real LeMat and had $3,200.00 on it. That was on Saturday. I went home and did some looking on the internet and saw it was real. Went back the next morning to buy it and the dealer was gone home. But I found out later he had sold it to another dealer and the price had gone out of my bank account.

That's too bad Papabyrd! That would have been a major score for an original LeMat at that price.

 

[wingatecivilwar5]

Beautiful gun. I still have hope to o e day own an authentic civil war firearm.

 

[Booner]

If it means anything, I'm thrilled for you. Not only for your LeMat, but for having such an understanding wife.

And having live in New Orleans at one time, when I was reading through your original post, I knew that in addition to Stewart owning one, that P.G.T. Beauregard owned at least one. (His plantation was just south of New Orleans-nothing but a foundation is left).

 

[TerryB]

Man in Black

 

[Greshamian]

I was told that there were only about 70 left, but I quickly found out that is Hnot the case. Likely more like 200 have survived, but that is just a guess.

How is the total doing?

 

[JackADriscoll]

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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Amc and GameStop bought a le mat? That's big iron right there.

 

[Texas Johnny]

How is the total doing?View attachment 449761

Now up to 88 original LeMats plus 2 Baby LeMats.

 

[Texas Johnny]

An update my LeMat database, by serial number, just hit 90 (plus 2 Baby LeMats). Thanks to all who have sent me information to add, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[Papabyrd]

There is a LeMat revolver for sale on Gun Broker item # 938417589. Serial number 2339

 

[Texas Johnny]

There is a LeMat revolver for sale on Gun Broker item # 938417589. Serial number 2339

Thanks Papabyrd, but I already have that one recorded. It is being sold by Ancestry Guns, I even considered buying that one before I bought the one I have. Thanks again!

 

[Joe Whitworth]

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