F.LLI Pietta Col. LaMat .44 Cal/20 Ga Percussion Cap/Ball Revolver MFD 2017
SOLD FOR: $1451
WOA#: WY230721SF001
Make: F.LLI Pietta
Model: 1862 Le Mat Cavalry Model .44 (Reproduction LeMat Army Revolver)
Serial Number: L17265
Year of Manufacture: 2017 (CS Date Code)
Caliber: .44 Cal. and 20 Gauge Caliber Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Black Powder Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COL. LEMAT.”. The right side of the barrel has a “CS” Date Code, “CIP / PN”, and an Italian Proof with “FAP” within a diamond, and “F.LLI PIETTA – MADE IN ITALY”. The right side of the shotgun barrel is marked “CIP / N” with another proof. The right side of the frame is marked “CS”, “CIP / PN”, with another proof”. The bottom of the frame is marked “L17265”, “2017”. The bottom of the shotgun barrel is marked “FAP” within a diamond and “F.LLI PIETTA MADE IN ITALY 20 CAL”. The cylinder is engraved with scrollwork with a “CIP / PN”.
Barrel Length: 6.75” Octagonal. (The shotgun barrel is also 6.75″, but extends back to the rear face of the cylinder)
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch in the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have no notable wear or damage. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Trigger and Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp in the rifled bore. There is no erosion. Unfired.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The cylinder lockup has no play on each chamber upon lockup. The barrel assembly has no play to the frame. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly . The trigger is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Comes with its serialized factory box with owner’s manual and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The 1862 LeMat Cavalry Model .44 Revolver is a fascinating artifact from a bygone era, steeped in history and replete with intriguing features that make it a collector’s dream. Developed by Dr. Jean Alexandre LeMat, a French-born physician, and later adopted by the Confederate forces during the American Civil War, this black powder percussion cap revolver is famous for its unique design. Perhaps the most notable aspect is its dual-barrel system: a nine-chambered .44 caliber cylinder revolving around a central 20-gauge shotgun barrel. This innovative configuration gave soldiers the versatility of a close-quarters shotgun blast and the more traditional long-range revolver shots, all in a single firearm.
While the LeMat was not as widely produced as other revolvers of its time, its unique features made it highly sought after. The 1862 Cavalry Model was often seen as a prestige weapon, frequently carried by Confederate officers who valued its adaptability and firepower. The revolver’s flip of a lever could quickly switch the firing pin from the outer cylinder to the central shotgun barrel, providing a decisive advantage in close combat. Even by today’s standards, this ingenuity stands as a testament to the creativity of firearms design during the Civil War era.
Owning an 1862 LeMat Cavalry Model is akin to holding a piece of American history in your hands. The revolver’s black powder percussion cap system, while archaic compared to modern cartridge firearms, offers an authentic glimpse into the technology and tactics of the 19th century. Beyond its historical significance, the LeMat Cavalry Model stands as an extraordinary example of firearms innovation, capturing the imagination of collectors, reenactors, and history enthusiasts alike. Its rarity and rich backstory make it more than just a firearm; it’s a tangible link to a transformative period in American history.
The F.LLI Pietta reproduction of the 1862 LeMat Cavalry Model is more than just a facsimile; it’s an invitation to relive a groundbreaking moment in firearms history. It allows modern enthusiasts to appreciate the mechanical innovation and tactical adaptability of the original, providing a hands-on experience of what it might have been like to wield such a weapon in a past era. Whether you’re a historical reenactor, a collector of unique firearms, or simply fascinated by the artistry of gunmaking, this reproduction serves as both a functional firearm and a conversation piece, enriching your understanding and appreciation of firearms history. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!