This is unquestionably the finest early LeMat Revolver ever discovered. It is in virtually flat mint condition with the exception of the slightest edge wear and superficial scratching from careful handling during examination. It also has the tiniest little hairline crack in the right recoil shield. This crack is virtually undetectable without careful viewing and does not detract from the impressive arm that it is. This gun is serial number 16 and has the usual 42 caliber ball size with a 16 gauge shotgun arbor. The barrel is 7 1/2 inches long. I'm sure I don't have to review the LeMat story with any of the collectors reading this listing. The LeMat is probably the most intriguing and popular of all Confederate handguns and indeed possibly the most popular of all handguns of the Civil War era, but cannot be enjoyed by all collectors due to their rarity and value. This particular gun is very similar to those made by John Krider of Philadelphia. This gun appears to have been made by Auguste Francotte and is so marked. This is the sixth gun by this maker that has been discovered so far. There are only six known, and the gun presented here is possibly the finest specimen. I don't know for certain because I haven't seen three of the five others known to exist. All major parts are marked with various proofs to include "AF" stampings. It would be nice if all collectors could own a great LeMat revolver. Being one of the very best, this one will eventually reside in a very fine collection.