Original French Mle 1822 Percussion Converted Rifle made at Mutzig Arsenal – dated 1821 / 1860 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available – As used in the U.S. Civil War. This is very unusual and interesting, being both rifled and in such a great condition. This started life as a French M-1822 Flintlock Musket, made at Mutzig Arsenal. This was one of the last flintlock models put into service. In the years since it was produced, it was both converted to percussion, and now has a very nice .70″ rifled barrel, bored out from .69″, which is dated 1821 on the chamber, and marked M1822 on the tang. The right side of the buttstock has multiple dated inspection proofs, the most recent of which is dated 1860 and is from the arsenal at ST.ÉTIENNE. This fine example has definitely had a long and interesting history.

The lock is marked:

Mr. Rle.
de Mutzig

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Mutzig (also known as Manufacture d’Armes de Mutzig), the Imperial Arsenal in the French town of Mutzig, located in the Château des Rohan (The Castle of Rohan). This was known as the “Imperial” arsenal previously, but after a Monarchy was restored in 1816, it became Royal again.

The stock has many crisp stamped Cartouches and the rifled 40″ barrel is very well marked with proofs, as well as T-Cde18 for an 18mm bore, which is approximately .70″. There is also serial number 481, and other arsenal marks. The finish is as it was issued, virtually “In the White”, though it was definitely reworked. It has an overall length of 55″.

This a good representative example of the many interesting European cast-off weapons that crossed the ocean to serve during the American Civil War, and would be a nice addition to any display of imported arms, having been updated in 1860.

In lovely condition, a French M-1822 Percussion Converted Rifle ready to research and display!

Year of Manufacture: 1821 / 1830s updated later.
Caliber: .70″ with four groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 55 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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