Original French Mle 1822 Rifled Percussion Converted Pistol made at Mutzig Arsenal – dated 1822 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This Pistol is somewhat unusual! We expected it to be the French Model of 1822 in Flintlock, later converted to the percussion cap ignition system as most were. However, when inspecting the barrel we noticed that it has curiously been RIFLED as well! The brass mounts still carry all the expected French Army inspection markings, and it has the expected 1822 on the barrel tang.

The lock is marked :

Mre. Imp.ale
de MUTZIG

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Impériale 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). The castle’s history dates back to the 13th century, and after the French revolution, it became a small arms factory, as the castle was disowned by the Rohan family and pillaged during the conflict. In 1799, it was bought by the arms manufacturers, brothers Coulaux of Klingenthal, Bas-Rhin, who, on April 20 1801, opened their weapons factory in its walls. It was at this factory that a native of Mutzig, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot, fabricated some of his famous rifles, one of the most advanced firearms of its time. Unfortunately, Mutzig is located in the often-contested eastern region of France, Alsace-Lorraine. Due to this the arsenal stopped producing in 1869, so all Chassepot rifles by this maker are extremely rare. This region was captured by Germany in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian war, and not returned until after WWI.

The fine pistol has a rifled barrel, marked Cde 17.6 on the left side, for a 17.6mm bore diameter, which is the standard .69″ pistol. Next to this are several proof marks, and below is the serial number 1148. This number is also marked on the ramrod, and on the left side of the stock.  It has the standard 7 3/4 inch barrel, 14 inches in overall length with brass mounts and original cup top ram rod in place. 

In nice original condition, ready to display and research!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1822
Caliber:  17.6mm / .69″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Single Shot

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