The LeMat "grapeshot” revolver was a highly prized sidearm among Confederate officers. There were less than 3,000 made for the Confederacy. It was a high quality firearm and delivered an unprecedented amount of firepower having nine .42 caliber charges rotating around one .16 gauge[i] 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 LeMat was made (in production quantities) in both Paris and London, but only the Paris made guns were delivered to the Confederate States. The London marked LeMat’s were ordered by the Confederacy, but where not delivered.

This early LeMat is marked "Syst. Le Mat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris” is designated as a transitional Model, meaning that it has both 1st, and 2nd Model features. The only 1^st Model feature that it retains is the swivel lanyard ring instead of the fixed ring of the 2^ndModel.

Serial number 570 is stamped into the pistol barrel, the frame, the cylinder, the shotgun barrel, and the loading lever. Other than the tiny "ears” missing from the hammer tip, this gun is excellent original condition. Every part, down to the last screw is original. The mechanics function perfectly. The grips retain good strong checkering. As you can see, the metal is beautiful, the edges remain sharp and the markings crisp.