1069

Rare Colonel LeMat Brevette Marked Pinfire/Percussion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 27,500.00 USD
Rare Colonel LeMat Brevette Marked Pinfire/Percussion Revolver
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Estimate: $18000 - 27500
Traditionally known as the "Grapeshot", this is 1 of approximately 1,000 Belgian Brevete revolvers produced of which only a handful are pinfire. This particular revolver has a 6 1/2" upper octagon 36 caliber pinfire barrel and the lower 4 5/8" round barrel is rifled and gauges at 44 caliber percussion. This is certainly unique to the traditional 16 or 28 gauge smooth bore normally found on these revolvers. The final LeMats were produced in 36 and 44 caliber, original LeMats were chambered for 42 caliber, which was very common for contemporary revolvers at the time, and this revolver may have been produced to satisfy a need for both calibers in one revolver. The left rear barrel flat is marked "COL LA LEMAT BRTE 131" with no other visible markings present. The revolver has the nine shot pinfire cylinder, the selector is mounted in the center on the hammer and fires the lower percussion barrel when in the down position. The ejector rod is mounted on the upper right side of the frame, the barrel is equipped with a pinched blade front sight and a notch in the hammer serves as the rear sight. The barrels and cylinder are finished blue and remaining surfaces casehardened and the revolver is fitted with two-piece checkered grips and a lanyard ring on the steel butt cap.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 36
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 131
Condition: Fine. The upper barrel retains traces of original blue finish mainly in the protected areas of the lower flats and the lower barrel retains 60% original blue finish mixed with smooth brownish gray patina. The cylinder retains 50% original blue finish with a smooth mottled brown patina on the balance. The frame retains 40% original case colors with a mottled silver gray on the balance, showing some minor pitting on the grip straps and butt cap. There is strong original case colors in the protected area at the front of the trigger guard. The grips are also fine with exception of a minor crack on the upper right side, a few minor dings and handling marks and crisp checkering. There is a little play in the cylinder, otherwise the action is fine. A rare LeMat with 36 and 44 caliber barrels.