Original Civil War Era French Charleville Mle 1822 Percussion Converted Rifled Musket 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 good condition. This started life as a French M-1822 “Charleville” Flintlock Musket, part of the long line of French Flintlock musket versions. These were the standard muskets of the line from 1717 until the Percussion Model of 1842. 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″. There are various markings on the barrel and lock plate, but it looks like many markings were removed, as trade with the Confederate States had to be done discreetly. This fine example has definitely had a long and interesting history.

The stock does still have traces of a cartouche on the right side, which appears to show a 1834 date. The butt plate is also marked 3871 / 1838, but we do not know if this is a date, or just a serial number. There are a few proof marks still visible on the barrel and lock, but they are unclear. Condition is quite nice, with a solid stock, which still retains the cheek cut-out on the left side. The metal work is a nice aged and polished steel, with a dull light gray patina. The bore is clear, and still shows rifling, though there is also oxidation and powder fouling. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

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 prior to sale.

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

Year of Manufacture: 1830s – updated later.
Caliber: .70″ with four groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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