- LeMat Cavalry is a percussion cap, revolver featuring a steel frame, highly sought after by collectors. Issued to Confederate forces during the American Civil War. The cavalry variant comes equipped with a spur-trigger guard and a lanyard ring.

Le Mat Cavalry .44 – an iconic and truly unique firearm from the era of the American Civil War, a must-have piece in any black powder gun collector’s arsenal. This remarkable revolver not only delivers nine shots from standard .44 caliber chambers but also features a tenth shot from a secondary smoothbore barrel in 20GA shotgun caliber, ingeniously integrated as the central axis of the cylinder. Primarily used by Confederate forces, it was the favored sidearm of numerous legendary Southern generals, including P. G. T. Beauregard, J. E. B. Stuart, Braxton Bragg, and T.J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Due to its battlefield effectiveness, even Union officers valued captured Le Mats. The revolver also saw service during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. In modern times, the Le Mat gained renewed fame through the character “The Man in Black” in the acclaimed TV series Westworld.
This is a muzzle-loading, percussion cap black powder revolver. It was patented in 1856 in the United States by French firearms designer and aristocrat Jean François Le Mat. The Cavalry version features a spur trigger guard for improved grip, a lever-secured barrel attachment to the frame, and a lanyard ring for secure retention.
Frame – steel, open-top design, black blued finish. The case-hardened hammer includes a selector switch that allows striking the percussion cap on either the cylinder nipple or the shotgun barrel nipple.
Grip Panels – all Le Mat models are outfitted with deeply checkered grips made from natural walnut wood, offering a secure hold even when hands are slick from powder or grease. The oil finish enhances the grain and color of the wood while preserving its natural look.
Cylinder – 9-shot, front-loaded. Decorated with an engraved floral motif. Black blued finish.
Le Mat revolvers were manufactured in three primary variants: Cavalry (LMC44), Army (LMA44), and Navy (LMN44).
Initially produced in .42 caliber and 16GA for the smoothbore barrel, wartime necessity led to a transition to smaller calibers (.35 and .55) to reduce weight—though this introduced logistical challenges. The most widely available ammunition during the Civil War was .36 and .44 caliber, forcing Le Mat users to cast their own bullets in the field—a major inconvenience. Eventually, production shifted to common calibers, but the Union naval blockade severely limited deliveries to Confederate troops.
Technical Specifications:
Item Number: LMC44
Model: 1856 Le Mat Cavalry
Finish: Black
Caliber: .44 and 20GA
Ignition System: Percussion cap
Cylinder: 9 chambers (.44 cal), 1 smoothbore (20GA)
Trigger Mechanism: SA (Single Action)
Barrel Shape: Octagonal (.44) / Round (20GA)
Overall Length: 340.36 mm / 13.4"
Barrel Length: 171.45 mm / 6.75"
Twist Rate: .40 cal (1:30")
Weight: 1600 g / 56.44 oz
Frame Type: Open steel
Grip: Walnut wood
Manufacturer: Pietta, Italy
Compiled by: Sharg®, exclusive importer