Original French Modèle 1822 Rifled Percussion Pistol made at Mutzig Arsenal – dated 1837 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice example of a French Modèle 1822 Rifled Percussion pistol, which definitely looks to have seen long service during its life. Despite this being the Model of 1822, this particular pistol was not produced as a flintlock and then converted. The French retained the same model number for the pistol even after they were produced in percussion. This example was produced as a rifled pistol in 1837, when the percussion system was well established.

The lock is marked :

M.re. 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 pistol has the standard 7 3/4 inch rifled barrel, 14 inches in overall length with all brass mounts. It still retains the original cup tipped ramrod, which is stamped with serial number 1292, matching the one on the left side of the stock. There are some other proof marks near this marking, as well as MUTZIG over a round cartouche, which is dated 7bre / 1837, for September 1837. We had considered that it might say “1857”, but it definitely looks to be 1837, which makes a lot more sense considering the type of pistol it is.

The stock is lovely, with a dark brown color, and lovely worn patina. The metalwork still has a great look, though the powder burn around the breech has removed some of the original markings. We checked the lock, and it is functional, however it does not hold properly at half cock. The bore of the barrel still shows clear rifling, however there is also fouling and oxidation, so this is a pistol that definitely saw service.

In very nice condition with some great markings, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1837
Caliber:  17.7mm / .69″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 7 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 13 3/4 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Single Shot

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