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“TO LIVE AND DIE IN DIXIE” Revolver
A Hand-Engraved Masterpiece
Honoring the Distinguished Heritage of Dixie
In honor of the recent 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, America Remembers proudly presents the Civil War Tribute LeMat “TO LIVE AND DIE IN DIXIE” Revolver.
A century and a half ago, Robert E. Lee’s gallant soldiers gathered to defend their way of life with a sense of pride and purpose. General Lee exemplified that pride when he reluctantly resigned from the U.S. Army and chose to lead his friends, relatives, and fellow Southerners through a bloody conflict that would endure for four years.
To defend their lives, the Confederate soldiers relied on a variety of firearms including many used by the Union, but there was one revolver that became synonymous with the Confederate forces: the formidable LeMat Cavalry Revolver. It was the only percussion revolver of the mid-19th century that rivaled the 1847 Walker Colt for sheer audacity of size and power. A unique looking firearm, the LeMat had a movable hammer that offered the option of firing a massive 9-shot .44 caliber cylinder from the top barrel and a second, lower shotgun barrel chambered for a grapeshot paper cartridge – the coup de grace. As one of the most intriguing military firearms ever produced, the LeMat was part revolver, part shotgun, and became a favorite for General J.E.B. Stuart. Manufactured in Europe during the war, nearly 3,000 LeMat revolvers reached the Confederacy and the legendary weapon has since become a favorite of Civil War enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Since the LeMat revolver was such a truly unique firearm design, and is closely associated with the Confederate Cause, America Remembers is proud to introduce a unique individually hand-engraved edition in remembrance of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War: the Civil War Tribute LeMat– “To Live and Die in Dixie” Revolver. This Tribute combines the classic design of the fabled LeMat revolver with striking, hand-engraved, mirror-polished, nickel artwork honoring the legacy of the soldiers and their leaders who valiantly fought for the cause of the Confederacy.
A Hand-Engraved Masterpiece
Each Tribute is produced on LeMat revolvers produced by the gunsmiths of F.lli Pietta in Italy. They are the only maker of reproduction LeMat revolvers in the world, and they are known for the authenticity of the firearms they produce based on the classic originals. Each Civil War Tribute LeMat in this edition is meticulously hand-engraved by American firearms engravers with years of experience. The revolver incorporates the popular fleurs-de-lis and floral scrollwork with a punch dot background– popular with French engravers in the 1860s.
The cylinder was done in a drum-style using a fleur-de-lis border, which is repeated around the breech of the grapeshot barrel and around the muzzle of both barrels. Floral scrollwork is also used to decorate the frame, the massive LeMat hammer, spur trigger guard, backstrap, and the shoulders of the grip frame as well as the grip butt plate. After being given a high polish, the entire gun is nickel plated to set off the depth and detail of the engraving that is often lost on blued guns. In addition, the Grapeshot barrel is embellished on both sides with crossed Confederate swords and the legend, “TO LIVE AND DIE IN DIXIE”.
“Then I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray!
In Dixie Land I’ll take my stand,
To live, and die in Dixie.”
With these heartfelt words, you can imagine how this song encouraged and fortified the citizens of the South and how it became the unofficial anthem for the Confederate Cause. The song was played at the inauguration of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and was often sung by the men in grey as they marched into battle.
Only 150 Available in this Exclusive Edition
With this classic firearm, you can honor the Confederate Cause, and remember all those who served with tenacity and determination during this monumental era in our history. Born of a conflict that both divided and reunited the United States of America, the LeMat is a historical testament to the determined spirit and unwavering pride of the Confederacy.
Only 150 of these exquisite, hand-engraved Civil War Tribute LeMats will be produced in this exclusive edition issued by America Remembers. With the amount of hand-engraving involved, we anticipate that it will take approximately 3-4 months to complete each order. Since only a limited number can be hand-engraved each month, please act promptly to secure your place in our engraver’s schedule so that you will receive one of these revolvers in the edition and to ensure the most timely delivery.
It’s hard to explain just how handsome this Tribute is; you really have to hold it in your own hands to appreciate its beauty and elegance. Since each Tribute is hand-engraved, each is a piece of history that will certainly be a focal point and conversation piece in your home or office. The Civil War Tribute LeMat is sure to bring to mind fond memories of the Old South and of the dedicated leaders and citizens who sacrificed all they had for their cherished Dixie Land.
Optional Display Case
An optional, handsome luxuriously lined display case with an engraved brass identification plaque is available for purchase.
We are pleased to be working with renowned author Dennis Adler on this issue. The author of Guns of the Civil War, Adler is recognized worldwide as a leading authority on antique firearms. With Dennis’ invaluable support and research, we have created a hand-engraved LeMat which is certain to appeal to collectors of fine, presentation firearms. Historical material on the LeMat included with this special offer is excerpted in part from Dennis Adler’s book, Guns of the Civil War.
