Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #80
  • Lot #249
Lot #248
Lot #250

Lot 249: Belgian LeMat Pinfire "Grapeshot" Revolver

Fine Belgian LeMat Pinfire "Grapeshot" Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2020

Lot 249: Belgian LeMat Pinfire "Grapeshot" Revolver

Fine Belgian LeMat Pinfire "Grapeshot" Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2020

Estimated Price: $8,000 - $14,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Fine Belgian LeMat Pinfire "Grapeshot" Revolver

Manufacturer: Belgium
Model: LeMat
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 44/20
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch octagon and 5 3/4 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: checkered walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 5185
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 217
Class: Antique
Description:

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.

Rating Definition:

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.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #688: Factory Engraved Belgian Pinfire Revolver with Ivory Grips

    Lot #196: Belgian Lefaucheux Single Action Pinfire Revolver

    Lot #687: Lefaucheux Pinfire Revolver from H. Riffelmann of Solingen

    Lot #192: Two Engraved Belgian Percussion Muff Pistols with Ivory Grips

    Lot #1157: Engraved Belgian Flintlock Muff Pistol

    Lot #818: Colt Second Issue Officer's Model Double Action Revolver