Ref 2631. A very rare American Civil war Baby Le Mat 42 calibre percussion revolver. Circa 1865. .42 Muzzleloader

Largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK. See our website andrewbottomley.com. Ref 2631. A very rare American Civil war era Baby Le Mat .42 calibre percussion revolver. Circa 1861 -1865. Serial number #730. The LeMat revolvers were manufactured from 1856 to 1865, with less than 2,900 in total being produced. One of the rarest models of LeMat grapeshot revolver is the Baby LeMat. A substantially smaller gun than the normal LeMat it retains a 9-shot cylinder and a central shotgun barrel. These Baby LeMat revolvers also sometimes called a Hybrid were made under contract for the Confederate Navy and we understand that a total only 100 of the guns were ever delivered to the Navy, (due to cancellation of the military contract). However according to reports an unknown quantity were still delivered to a Confederate representative in London shortly after the contract was revoked as the CSA had agreed to take all the revolvers which had been finished. They then made their way to the Confederate forces, who were the sole users of the baby LeMat during the Civil War. Engraved on the 4.5 inch octagonal barrel COL. LE MAT BTE s.g.d.g. PARIS. 9 shot cylinder. In .42 calibre, the various models of the LeMat were normally produced in .36 & .42, calibre. It is also interesting to note that this example is slightly different in that it has no lanyard ring fixed into the butt-cap and is serial number 730. Does this mean that there was a further unknown larger quantity of LeMat revolvers manufactured in France in 1859-1865? Maybe we shall never know. Very few of these Baby Lemat models are known, little has been written about them, and this revolver represents a rare opportunity to obtain one. Action in good working order. In good but well used condition. The Le-Mat trademark of a five pointed star and initials L. M. is stamped next to the serial number. Overall length 12 inches. Ref 2631. This is an obsolete antique item and is sold as a collectors item only. No Licence is required in the United Kingdom. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website andrewbottomley.com where you can pay by credit/debit card. Established 1968.