In late 1861, Dr. LeMat abandoned his medical career to join the Confederate cause. One of his first accomplishments, along with partner General PGT Beauregard, was to secure an order of Grapeshot revolvers for the newly formed Confederate government. After the Civil War, LeMat moved back to France permanently and was active in military circles, promoting his old inventions and devising new ones until he passed away on July 28th, 1895.
Approximately 4,000-4,500 LeMat pistols and carbines were manufactured in Belgium, Paris, London, and Philadelphia (only 2 known) circa 1858-1885. Approximately 3,500 of these were contracted by the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
Dr. Jean Alexandre Francois LeMat, originally located in New Orleans, LA, circa 1856-1865.