Original item. Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the French Modèle 1822 Flintlock pistol, released shortly after the end of the Napoleonic wars. In design it is nearly identical to the earlier Modèle 1816, except that is is about 3/4 inches shorter. These were both technically variants of the Pistolet modèle An XIII, introduced in 1806 and used throughout the wars. This example is in lovely condition, and is still in the original flintlock configuration, which is VERY rare to see. Almost all of these were later converted to percussion, and then later rifled, which represent virtually all of the Mle 1822 pistols we have had previously. As an unconverted example this is definitely a rarity we will not see again anytime soon.

This pistol was made at the famed IMPERIAL ARSENAL at SAINT-ÉTIENNE. This arsenal, properly termed Manufacture Impériale de St. Étienne (also known as Manufacture d'Armes de St. Étienne), is a famous factory located in located in southern France. They would later develop numerous firearms, including the well known MAS revolvers. It is correctly marked on the lock plate with:-

M're Imp'ale
de St. Etiénne

There is not a model marking on the barrel tang, though it is possible that it was never marked, as almost all the 1822 marked pistols and rifles we have seen were conversions. It also may have been worn off over the years. It is marked with a 34 near the breech, and there is also a CROWN / P over 34 marking on the top of the lock plate, which we believe indicates production in 1834. The pistol is all brass fitted, correct for the pattern, and measures 13 1/2 inches in overall length, with a 7 1/2 inch .69" caliber smoothbore barrel.

This is a very nice service used example of French Flintlock pistol, designed just after the Napoleonic era. The lock is fully functional, holding correctly at half cock, firing only at full, and it is in very good condition. The pistol still has a ramrod, and though it does not have the cupped head we usually see, it is marked with (T) over 666, which matches the number on the rear of the butt cap. It is threaded on the narrow end, and is in great shape. The barrel is in very good condition, looking to have been well cleaned and possibly polished to remove oxidation. The stock is in very good condition, showing just a bit of denting and wear. It has some lovely flame figuring in areas, though there is some cracking on the left side running from the breech through the rear lock screw and down to the trigger.

A very nice example of a hard to find French pistol, still in the original flintlock configuration. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1822 - 1840
Caliber: .69" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.