Original French Napoleonic Modèle An XIII T Cavalry Pistol by Saint-Étienne Converted to Percussion at Tulle – Serial 723 Original Items

Original item. Only One Available. This is a GREAT example of the Classic French Military Flintlock Pistol of the Napoleonic era, made at the famed IMPERIAL ARSENAL at SAINT-ÉTIENNE. This arsenal, properly termed Manufacture Impériale de St. Étienne (also known as Manufacture d’Armes de St. Étienne), is a famous factory located in located in southern France. They would later develop numerous firearms, including the well known MAS revolvers.

Like many examples still in service, it was later converted to utilize the new percussion cap system. This involved replacing the original flintlock hammer with a percussion one, and also removal of the pan, frizzen, and frizzen spring. We can clearly see on the lock plate where these removed items used to be, and it is marked TULLE on the left side over serial number 723, indicating that was where it was converted to percussion.

The pistol is faintly marked on the lock plate St Étienne / M’re Imp’ale in scroll engraving below a Fleur-de-Lis / S proof mark. It features all brass mounts on walnut wood stock fitted with large skull crusher butt cap, and is marked with serial 723 on the left side of the barrel nocks form. It also has the correct Mle. an 13 marking on the barrel tang, short for “Modèle An XIII”, introduced in the 13th Year of the French Revolutionary Calendar, or 1805. On the other side of the tang screw is a script T, indicating the “transformation” into a percussion arm. The barrel is also marked C.de 17.6 for an 17.6 mm bore, which is approximately .69″.

The trigger guard, side plate, barrel band, and butt cap are all marked with proof marking CROWN / P, and the cleaning rod is also marked with serial number 723, matching the stock and barrel. Looking at the wood also reveals that there were past markings that have been removed, which can be seen in the light. Definitely some great research potential here!

This is a very nice service used example of a French Dragoon pistol of the Napoleonic era, converted to percussion to see further service. The lock is functional, though it will fire at both half and full cock. The stock definitely shows wear, with dents, chips, and gouges consistent with service.

A pistol that may well have seen service at WATERLOO, and long after! Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Caliber: .69″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

The Pistolet modèle An XIII was a flintlock cavalry pistol, in service in French units from 1806 until 1812. It was mostly inspired by the Pistolet modèle An IX, which it succeeded, but also incorporated elements of the Navy pistolet modèle 1786, notably the barrel mountings. Over 300 000 pistols were made, mostly between 1806 and 1814 in Charleville, Maubeuge and St-Etienne. The Americans copied the design as the Harpers Ferry Pistol, and used it against the British during the War of 1812.

The Pistolet modèle An XIII was designed to equip mounted units, each horseman using two pistols. It was also used by the Navy. An improved version, known as the M1822, was produced after the Napoleonic Wars. They were kept in service well into the 1840s, at which date the pistols still in usage were converted to use percussion caps.

The model number for these is derived from the French Republican calendar, which counts 1792 as Année I (An I), with the year starting in late September. An IX began 23 September 1800, and An XIII began 23 September 1804

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