Original Item: Only One Available - As used in the U.S. Civil War. This is very unusual and interesting, being 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 now has a very nice .69" rifled barrel, bored out from the original. It is also marked 1822 T on the tang, 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.

The right side of the stock has various number markings stamped, as well as TULLE and what looks to be "NITHARD". This fine example has definitely had a long and interesting history.

The lock is marked:

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Tulle (also known as Manufacture d'Armes de Tulle), the Imperial Arsenal in southwestern France. This is also which is where the majority of Naval and Marine production guns were made during the mid 19th century, so there is definitely a possible naval connection.

The stock has several stamped inspection Cartouches and the rifled 7 3/4" barrel has some faded proofs, as well as Cde 17,6 for an 17.6 mm bore, which is approximately .69". The finish is patinated and worn, showing that this was not a "museum" example, but a real service used example. The barrel does show rifling on the inside, though there is also wear from service. The lock is functional, however the tumbler is worn and it does not currently hold at half cock.

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 exportation.

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

Year of Manufacture: 1830s, updated later
Caliber: .69" with four groove rifling
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

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