LeMat & Girard Two Barrel Percussion Revolver Serial Number 8121

6 and 1/2 inch octagonal barrel in .42 caliber, and round 5 inch .63 smoothbore shotgun barrel.

Known as the “Grapeshot Revolver” and used by the Confederacy and numerous Confederate Generals such as J.E.B. Stuart and Pierre Gustave Touissant Beauregard, the LeMat is perhaps the most romantic and fascinating of all arms used in the Civil War. Featured in films from Cold Mountain to The Quick and the Dead few revolvers have captured the imagination like the LeMat. Dr. Charles F. Girard became the major owner of the LeMat franchise.

Serial 8121 is a fine example of this legendary revolver. Barrel marked on top flat “LE MAT & GIRARD’S PATENT LONDON”. Barrel retains 65% original bluing thinning but strong in places. Shotgun barrel with only traces of blue and mostly smooth metal. Loading lever with no finish but it is original (most are replaced). Cylinder is smooth metal with tiny British proofs and a few minor dents. All the nipples are in fine condition and original.

Hammer with traces of color and is very crisp and retains the original lever for switching from revolver to shotgun (very rare). Frame has strong traces of finish and is smooth with light staining. Skull crusher buttcap with lanyard loop has traces of blue finish. Triggerguard mostly smooth metal.

Original checkered walnut grips are good with some minor damage to left panel. Grips possibly have original varnish. All serial numbers 8121 appear to be matching.

The action is extremely crisp and cylinder indexes smartly. Revolver bore is fair with some corrosion. Similar LeMat and Girard revolvers have sold for $20,000+ at public auction. Flayderman’s 9th Edition states: “Values-Good $17,500 Fine $30,000.” A rare opportunity to acquire a great example of a legend in VG+ condition.