Original French Mle 1822 Flintlock Percussion Pistol made at Mutzig Arsenal – dated 1856 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Despite this being the Model of 1822 and being marked Mle 1822 on the barrel tang, 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 is marked M.1856 on the barrel, indicating that it was made in 1856 when the percussion system was well established. 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. 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 1705. 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. There is a brass band around the end of the cleaning rod.

In nice original condition, ready to display

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1856
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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