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LOT 220
Massive Stag Handled Dagger with “George Young His Dagger 1825”
Etched Blade and Scabbard - This massive dagger is more like a short
sword and features an 18 1/2 inch long by 2 7/8 inch wide blade with a
shape similar to a Roman gladius. One side of the blade is etched with a
cornucopia, “George Young His Dagger 1825/S.E.” in a banner, flowers, and
a thistle motif, and the other side features a larger thistle design. The iron
crossguard is cruciform, and the tang extends through the 8 1/2 inch long
stag-horn grip. The scabbard is brown leather with pressed floral designs
and brass fittings. This impressive piece was features in the article “George
Young His Dagger 1825” by Rick Mack in the Winter 2001 issue of the “Antique Bowie
Journal.” In the article, Mack notes “George Young must have been a man of huge stature and
personage to carry such a knife...A knife so large that with one swift blow from Mr. Young, a
limb or life would have been taken over 175 years ago.” Mack also attributes “S.E.” as the maker
of the blade. The identity of the maker and owner are not documented. The thistle decoration
certainly suggests a Scottish connection, and there were a plenty of Scots in Scotland and the
U.S. named George Young living in 1825.
CONDITION: Very good. The fine blade has distinct etching, mostly bright surfaces, minor
pitting towards the hilt, and some notches and chips at the edges suggesting it saw
some use. The stag grip has a crack forming along one side but is otherwise strong and
has attractive natural patterns. The scabbard has crackling and flaking on the leather
and aged patina on the fittings. Overall, this is a very impressive and certainly deadly
looking edged weapon.
Provenance: The Robert Abels Collection; The Rick Mack Collection;
The Bryan Bossier Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 219
Desirable Civil
War Era Paris Marked
Transitional LeMat Two-Barrel “Grapeshot”
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 575, 42 cal/ 16 ga cal.,
6 3/4 inch octagon and 6 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. Invented in 1857 and patented by Dr. Jean Alexandre Francois LeMat of New Orleans,
with approximately 2,900 manufactured abroad. The LeMat is one of the most distinctive and famous
of all 19th century revolvers thanks to its unusual central smoothbore “grape shot” barrel positioned below the standard
rifled barrel, plus its use by well-known Confederate military generals and officers including P. G. T. Beauregard, Braxton Bragg,
and J. E. B. Stuart. Period advertisements for the revolvers refer to them as “LeMat’s Grape Shot Revolvers.” These revolvers represented
a significant firepower boost over other percussion revolvers of the era, integrating a 9-shot revolver and a 16 gauge “grapeshot” shotgun barrel. The top of
the revolver barrel is marked “Col. Lemat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris” on top. The earlier production revolvers, like this example, were manufactured in Paris, France, with
later production in Liege, Belgium, and Birmingham, England. A “star” over “LM” proof is stamped on right side of barrel. All matching visible serial numbers marked
on the right of the revolver barrel, frame, loading lever, cylinder, shotgun barrel, takedown lever, grip panels and grip screw. This LeMat revolver, serial number 575, is a
transitional model with the swivel lanyard ring on the butt and spur trigger guard that are characteristic of the First Model, and the full octagon upper barrel with loading
lever on the left side found on Second Model LeMat revolvers. Includes a modern made wooden/plexiglass display case.
CONDITION: Very good plus, as fresh as they come, with an untouched natural age darkened brown patina overall,
strong traces of original blue finish visible at some of the edges and protected areas, some minor oxidation
and pitting, a few very small minor dings visible on both barrels, and defined markings and edges in the
metal. Grips are also very good, with a few small nicks and wear spots in the otherwise distinct checkering.
Mechanically fine. This desirable example of a Paris marked transitional LeMat revolver would make a fine
addition to any Civil War arms collection!
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000