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FINE CONFEDERATE CONTRACT M1864 LEMAT SECOND MODEL

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 13,000.00 USD
FINE CONFEDERATE CONTRACT M1864 LEMAT SECOND MODEL

GRAPESHOT REVOLVER WITH LONDON ADDRESS. Cal. 42/18 Ga. S# 8712. Octagon bbl. is 6 5/8" above a 5" round bbl. Upper bbl. is used with the 9 shot cylinder to fire 42 cal. ammo. Top flat of bbl. is marked "LEMAT & GIRARD'S PATENT LONDON". The right flat of the bbl. is marked "8712”. All numbered parts of this revolver match completely. Lower bbl. is used for firing a single charge of buckshot. The underside of the bbl. is marked with 2 Birmingham proofs & "18". 9 Shot revolving cylinder, with associated loading lever, on left side of bbl. The hammer is fitted with a pivoting striker to accommodate the 9 cylinder nipples along with a single nipple at the top of the frame to fire the buckshot bbl. 2 Piece, fine checkered walnut grips with lanyard loop at the buttcap. This revolver was produced as part of a 1,000 piece contract for the Confederate government in 1864. Serial numbers run between 8,000 & 9,000 for the contract. Dr. Jean Alexandre Francois Lemat from New Orleans, LA, patented this type of revolver in 1856. He was originally business partners with P.G.T. Beauregard, who was to become one of the most famous Confederate generals of the war. CONDITION: a well used, but honest example, of this rare revolver. All mechanics appear to function quite well. The loading lever is original, undamaged & completely operable. The finish of the gun is generally oxidized with minor areas of pitting. Finish does survive in protected areas. All markings are easily legible. Screws show minimal wear & scratches. Nipples are complete & unbroken. Grips show wear but retain well defined checkering throughout. The bore of the revolver bbl. is quite nice with strong rifling remaining. The shotgun bore is dark but remains very smooth. (01-22075/BF). $10,000-13,000.