Confederate 2nd Model LeMat Revolver

By Shannon Pritchard · Originally published October 2019 · pp. 19

Confederate 2nd Model LeMat Revolver — lead photograph from the original article

By Shannon Pritchard The LeMat “grapeshot” revolver was a highly prized sidearm among Confederate officers. Developed in 1856 by Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans, this weapon was a very high-quality firearm and delivered an unprecedented amount of firepower. There were less than 3,000 made for the Confederacy in Liège, Belgium, and Paris, France. The LeMat had nine, .42 caliber chambers rotating around one 20 gauge shotgun barrel. The hammer could be converted from striking the revolving pistol caps to striking the central shotgun cap with the flick of a thumb. The weapon shown here is a second model. The most recognizable differences between the first and second models are the lack of a spur trigger guard, swivel lanyard ring, and a left side mounted loading lever assembly on the second model. The pistol shown here is serial number 1270 and marked “Col LeMat BTE SGDG PARIS.” This example is more fully marked with serial numbers than most examples and all numbers match. Serial numbers are located on the cylinder, frame, barrel, shotgun barrel, barrel lock lever, and rammer assembly; even including the shotgun rammer. The revolver’s action is crisp; it indexes properly, and locks firmly. The barrel markings are clear and sharp; it has sharp edges and good lines. Its only downside is that some inexperienced person tried to take it apart and marred some screw heads. As they say, if only this one could talk; the revolver`s cylinder is fully loaded and four caps remain in place. Even the shotgun barrel is loaded. There is a chip knocked out of the left grip and something struck the pistol so hard that it broke one nipple and deeply indented the cylinder; both of these battle scars are shown in the photographs. Perhaps when it was struck, it was knocked it out of the owner’s hand while still fully loaded. The weapon had seen little service when this occurred as the nipples and hammer have been struck very little, leaving the revolver in very good condition. Shannon Pritchard has authored numerous articles relating to the authentication, care and conservation of Confederate antiques, including several cover articles and is the author of the definitive work on Confederate collectibles, the widely acclaimed Collecting the Confederacy, Artifacts and Antiques from the War Between the States, and is co-author of Confederate Faces in Color.

Right side of LeMat revolver serial number 1270.

Confederate 2nd Model LeMat Revolver — photograph 3 from the original article

(Photos courtesy Old South Antiques)

Confederate 2nd Model LeMat Revolver — photograph 4 from the original article

Engraved patent information and Paris address on top of barrel.

Confederate 2nd Model LeMat Revolver — photograph 5 from the original article

Left side of revolver showing broken nipple and damage to the cylinder.

Note the lead balls seated into the cylinder.

Three percussion caps are still seated on the nipples. Notice the broken nipple.