2020 September Premier, Volume I

BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 145
Desirable Parisian LeMat Percussion “Grape Shot” Revolver with Holster -
Serial no. 1209, 40 cal., 6 3/4 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The LeMat
is one of the most famous percussion revolvers thanks to its central smoothbore barrel in addition to the rifled
barrel and eight-shot cylinder as well as its Confederate affiliation, including use by P. G. T. Beauregard, Braxton
Bragg (owned sn. 1273), J. E. B. Stuart, and other Confederate generals and officers. They were designed by
Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans but mainly manufactured in Liege, Belgium, and Paris, France. Period
advertisements for the revolvers refer to them as “LeMat’s Grape Shot Revolvers.” The barrels on this example
measure .40 caliber and 18 gauge (.64 caliber). It has a triangular front sight, the early Liege style barrel latch
that pivots in the barrel lug, the central selector on the hammer tip for switching between the cylinder and the
smoothbore shot barrel, and groove on the hammer selector for a rear sight. The barrel is have “Col Le Mat Bte
s-g-d-g Paris” inscribed in an engraved panel with floral accents at the ends and the serial number and the “LM”
marking on the right at the breech. The serial number is repeated on the barrel latch, loading lever, shot barrel,
right side of the frame, and trigger. The hammer has an “L” on the left, and the toe of the grip frame has a “Z” on
the right and an “M” on the left. The checkered walnut grips have light engraving on the washer, screw, and nut.
The butt has a lanyard loop with a small lanyard ring. A later production brown leather flap holster is included.
CONDITION: Very good. The period refinished revolver now exhibits an even gray-brown patina overall and has
some minor pitting and light scratches and marks. The side plate is a little ill-fitting and has a small piece absent
on the top. The grips have crisp checkering, even oiled finish, light dings, and minor loss at the junction with
the back of the frame. Mechanically fine. The holster is very good and has mild wear. Overall, a very attractive
example of one of the rarest and most iconic Civil War era handguns.
Estimate: 8500 - 12000
LOT 146
Rare Boyle & Gamble
Confederate Staff & Field
Sword with Scabbard -
Operating in Richmond,
Virginia, Boyle & Gamble was one of the great sword making firms of the Confederacy. In keeping with the tastes of their buyers, most of Boyle & Gamble’s output
conformed to antebellum U.S. regulations, with Staff & Field pattern standing as one of their signature offerings. Measuring 35 1/2 inches in overall length, with a 30
1/4 inch curved single fuller blade with etched Confederate motifs. The cast brass guard shows Boyle & Gamble’s signature design, with a “CS” in a wreath topped by
a star and an ear of corn set between the guard and the branch, and “3” marked next to the blade, with a helmet pommel and a leather wrapped grip bound with a
single strand of heavy wire. The sheath is brown leather with brass fittings.
CONDITION: Sword itself is in fine condition, well above average for a Confederate weapon. The blade has turned a gray patina, with mild spotting overall, a few patches
of deeper pitting near the tip, and good detail in the etching. The guard and pommel have a rough cast appearance, and show a mixed aged patina overall, and the grip
retains half of the original leather. The scabbard leather is fragile, with tears and holes, the brass fittings are fine.
Estimate: 9500 - 14000
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