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LOT 1219
Fine Civil War Era Second Model Paris
LeMat Two-Barrel Percussion “Grapeshot” Revolver - Serial no. 1478, 42 cal/
16 ga cal., 6 3/4 inch octagon and round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. These Second
Model LeMat revolvers were manufactured in Paris, France c. 1864-1865, and LeMat
revolvers in their various forms were manufactured in Liege, Paris and Birmingham
between 1856-1865 with total production estimated at fewer than 2,900 revolvers, according to “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 10-013). The
LeMat revolver was developed by Dr. Jean LeMat of New Orleans, Louisiana, and patented in 1856. Approximately 1,500 LeMat revolvers are thought
to have been purchased by the Confederate government during the Civil War, with many senior Confederate officers known to have carried them.
However, the LeMat revolver is most closely associated with the famed Confederate cavalryman General J.E.B. Stuart who carried a LeMat revolver
when he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern, Virginia in 1864. The LeMat two-barrel “Grapeshot” revolver is the most distinctive of all the
Confederate associated firearms. This example has the distinctive Second Model features including the combination of a full octagon .42 caliber revolver barrel and
percussion nine-shot cylinder, a second centrally mounted smoothbore .65 caliber/16 gauge “buckshot” barrel, loading lever on the left side of the revolver barrel, pivoting hammer nose with
central change lever on the hammer spur, rounded trigger guard with no spur and lanyard ring hole in the butt of the frame. The top barrel flat is engraved “Col LeMat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris” in a panel with engraved
flourishes at either end. The right side of the barrel is stamped with the serial number “1478” followed by the “*/LM” LeMat logo. The matching serial number “1478” is also stamped on the right side of the frame
below the cylinder, on the cylinder, and handwritten in black ink inside both grip panels. A partly stamped “X” inspection mark is on the left side of the hammer. The revolver has a high polish blue finish and is
fitted with two-piece finely checkered walnut grips. The consignor indicated this revolver was purchased from a Fred T. Allen on February 20, 1999.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% plus untouched original blue finish, strongest on the cylinder, mixed with smooth brown patina on the balance, and some scattered patches of minor surface oxidation/pitting.
Grips are also fine with scattered mild handling marks, and crisp checkering. Absent loading lever
retaining piece with a half absent head on its retaining screw. Mechanically excellent. A fine and
attractive example of a Civil War Second Model LeMat revolver.
Provenance: The Fred T. Allen Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
LOT 1220
Rare Civil War Confederate Thomas Leech & Co. Memphis Novelty Works Marked Cavalry Saber with Scabbard
- This 1860s saber is based on the U.S. Model 1840 “Old Wristbreaker” cavalry saber. It has a 35 5/8 inch curved single
edged blade with wide fuller and flat spine. The bronze hilt has a branched guard, wire and dark leather wrapped grip,
and “MEMPHIS/NOVELTY WORKS/THOS. LEECH & CO” marking. Includes an iron scabbard with lightly visible correct
brazed seam. Thomas Leech established the “Memphis Novelty Works” with scale maker Charles Rigdon about 1861 in
Memphis, Tennessee. While most famous for their copies of Colt’s navy-caliber revolver, the firm also manufactured a
wide spectrum of edged weapons, including several known examples with the same Memphis Novelty Works markings
such as the example in the Tennessee State Library and Archives noted as having belonged to Captain Leonidas O. Paris
of Company D of the 4th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. The company was evacuated twice, first to Columbus, Mississippi,
and then to Greensboro, Georgia, and later abandoned blade manufacturing to focus on revolvers. The same marking
can be seen on the example in the Tennessee Virtual Archive
CONDITION: Very good with dark patina and patches of light pitting on the blade, attractively aged patina on the hilt,
fine grip, and mild overall wear. The scabbard is fair with heavy pitting. Overall an intriguing and rare Confederate saber.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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