2020 September Premier, Volume I

BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 249
Fine Belgian LeMat Pinfire “Grapeshot” Revolver
- Serial no. 3103, 44/20 cal., 6 1/2 inch octagon and
5 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
checkered walnut grips. The LeMat is one of the most
famous 19th century revolvers thanks to its central smoothbore
barrel and 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 but only a few thousand
are believed to have been made making all variations rare and desirable
collectibles. They were designed by Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans in 1856 but mainly
manufactured in Liege, Belgium, and Paris, France. Period advertisements for the revolvers refer to
them as “LeMat’s Grape Shot Revolvers.” There are several variations in the designs, including the
use of different ammunition. This revolver has a nine-shot pinfire cylinder and a muzzle loading
percussion shot barrel. These pinfire versions were mainly sold in Europe and were manufactured
in lower numbers than the percussion revolvers of the Civil War. The upper barrel has a “crown/EL”
marking on the left at the breech, and the
right side has “COL LA LEMATS BTE.” The
right side of the frame is marked “3103,” and
the left side across the barrel lug and front of the frame is marked “174066.” The
rear of the barrel lug has “FP.” The cylinder has an oval Liege proof, and the shot
barrel has a “crown/reverse P” marking. The barrel has a dovetailed front sight,
and the hammer has a groove for the rear sight and a vertical selector switch. The
barrels and cylinder are blued, and the frame is casehardened. The grips are finely
checkered, and the butt has a lanyard loop.
CONDITION: Fine with 25% original case colors on the frame, 50% original blue on
the cylinder, gray and brown patina on the balance, moderate oxidation, buff marks, and
moderate overall wear. The grips are fine and have distinct checkering, light scratches and marks,
and minor handling wear. Mechanically fine. LeMat revolvers are very rare. Relatively few of the
pinfire revolvers have made their way to the U.S., and they were made in smaller numbers than the
percussion revolvers that made LeMat a household name.
Estimate: 8000 - 14000
BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 250
Fine Exhibition Quality Engraved and Gold Inlaid Double Action Target
Revolver from Anton Mulacz of Vienna - NSN, 9 mm cal., 7 1/8 inch part round bbl., blue/gold/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. Anton Mulacz was active in Vienna c. 1860s-1890s and his
company continued on into the 20th century. This revolver was manufactured around the 1870s
and is decorated with gold scrolls and elaborate floral engraving. It features adjustable target sights,
ribbed central section on the barrel, “ANT/MULACZ/IN/WIEN” in gold among the gold scroll patterns
at the breech, recessed chambers, a hammer stall safety on the right side of the frame, and fluted and
checkered grips with nice figure.
CONDITION: Fine with essentially all of the original gold remaining, 60% original blue finish on the barrel
and cylinder turning a dark plum tone, dark original case colors blended with dark patina, repaired
hammer, and crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine and have crisp carving and minor wear.
Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3000 - 5000
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