3022 SCARCE CONFEDERATE NAVY CONTRACT LONDON LEMAT

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 05 @ 11:27UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 6,000.00 USD
Estimated at 12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
"GRAPESHOT" REVOLVER. Cal. 42/18ga. S# 8784. This revolver represents the final evolution of LeMat percussion grape shot revolvers purchased by the Confederacy in late 1864. These revolvers were manufactured under Confederate naval contract by the English firm of Tipping and Lawden. Doug Adams in his excellent 2005 text "The Confederate LeMat Revolver" explains the technical changes to the "cog cylinder rotation system" from the earlier problem plagued reciprocating pin system. These Navy contracted pistols, 1000 in total, are found in a special serial range 8000-9000. Though 1000 were made, survival is much lower than the earlier Paris addressed examples. Only 60 "LEMAT & GIRARD'S PATENT LONDON" marked survivors are in database, which is only 6% of production. Paris examples have 20% survival rate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of chapter on 1864 London CS Navy contract LeMats from cited Doug Adams 2005 text. CONDITION: very good overall, original, complete, and matching with exception of restored/replaced hammer with earlier style shotgun barrel selector at nose. Serial numbers observed externally, all matching on barrel, frame, cylinder, and loading assembly. Revolver exhibits strong traces of bright blue finish in protected areas. Mechanically fine with crisp rifled bore. (01-24250/JS). ANTIQUE. $12,000-18,000.