Original French Napoleonic Model An XIII Flintlock Cavalry Pistol made at Charleville Arsenal – dated 1813 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 CHARLEVILLE. This Arms Manufacturing installation was located in Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes, France, to the far north east of Paris, and was responsible for developing the famous “Charleville” muskets of the line. It was later closed, as it was realized that having an arsenal that close to the eastern border of France was not strategically viable.

The pistol is marked on the lock plate Manuf. Imp. de / Charleville in scroll engraving below a proof mark. It features all brass mounts on walnut wood stock fitted with large skull crusher butt cap, and is dated 1813 on the barrel. It also has the correct M. an 13 marking on the barrel tang, short for “Modèle An XIII”. There are also numerous letter proof markings on the brass components, probably assembly matching numbers. The left side of the stock has additional stamped markings, including an arsenal rondel stamp, which is unfortunately not legible.

A very nice example of the French Dragoon pistol of the French Napoleonic era. It works perfectly, holding at half cock and firing when fully cocked. It still has the correct cup tipped ramrod, and the bore is clear, with some light oxidation on the barrel walls.

A pistol that may well have seen service at WATERLOO. Ready to display!

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.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1813
Caliber: .67″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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