4109 UNIQUE LEMAT REVOLVER WITH SHOTGUN 16"

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7,500.00USDby d*********y (50126)
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Nov 02 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 7,500.00 USD
Estimated at 15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
EXTENSION BARREL. Cal. 42/18ga. NSN. This truly bizarre and unique revolver has a very long collection history. It was first published in October 1918 on cover of Hobbies Magazine and ended up in the remarkable LeMat collection of the late Cliff Young. Revolver is in the standard configuration of Civil War percussion LeMats, 6.75" full octagonal barrel atop a shorter shotgun barrel, hammer with selector switch between 9-shot rifled barrel & single shot "grapeshot" barrel. The unique feature which has made this pistol so iconic is the 16" screw on extension shotgun barrel. This revolver of English manufacture with Birmingham proofs on cylinder and barrel was later altered with extension barrel and spring loaded arm on the left side of frame to stop cylinder rotation with corresponding small round slots. The revolver was originally made with LeMat's patent reciprocating pin mechanism which often broke and wherever this revolver was modified, the complex reciprocating pin rotation system was abandoned for the added arm and cylinder stops. This revolver has seen hard use but well cared for and has always been a wonderful curiosity since it first appeared in print over 100 years ago to collectors. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: research file including copy of Cowan/Little John auction catalog; early photos of gun, Copy of Hobbies Magazine with gun on cover, copy of Flayderman list. CONDITION: good overall, well worn, side plate bulges, appears original as configured, Metal is overall gray patina with about 10% dull tin plating. Mechanics are sloppy, but will index when cocked, the unique modified spring arm to lock cylinder is partially functionable, well defined rifled bore, shotgun barrel is good smooth bore. Extension barrel fits well with tall folding front sight. PROVENANCE: Ben Ames Williams (1889-1953) American novelist & writer; illustrated on cover of Hobbies Magazine, Oct. 1918; Charles L. Bricker (1878-1967) collection; Flayderman catalog to Cliff Young 1968; Cowan/Little John auction lot 73, April 26, 2016; The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (01-27599/JS). ANTIQUE. $15,000-20,000.