Original Item: Only One Available - As used in the U.S. Civil War. This is very unusual and interesting, having been both rifled and converted to percussion. This started life as a French Modèle 1822 Flintlock pistol, made at Tulle Arsenal. 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 then rifled. It then saw much use, enough to wear the barrel from .69" out to .72" and remove much of the rifling.

The tang of the barrel by the rear sight is marked M'le 1822 T, for the model and the "T" indicates a percussion "transformation". There is also the word bis (again) under this marking, indicating another "transformation", in this case the addition of rifling to the barrel. This nice example has definitely had a long and interesting history.

The lock is faintly marked:

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 stock has several stamped inspection Cartouches and the 7 3/4" barrel has some faded proofs, as well as C.de 17.6 for an 17.6 mm bore, which is approximately .69". There is also a M. 1855 marking by the cap bolster, indicating that it underwent one of the conversions in 1855 at Mutzig. The Stock, barrel and ram rod are all marked with matching serial (or rack) number 460.

The finish is patinated and worn, showing that this was not a "museum" example, but a real service used example. The muzzle of the barrel, now worn a bit thin shows some wear on the exterior. The ramrod is still present and in great shape.. The lock is functional, holds at half cock and full cock and works are it should. The stock has some dings but no major damage.

This a very 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 exportation.

In very nice service used condition, a French M-1822 Percussion Converted Rifled Pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1830s, updated 1855
Bore Diameter: .73" smoothbore.
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 7 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 13 3/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.