Original Item: Only One Available - As used in the U.S. Civil War. This is very unusual and interesting, being both rifled and in such nice condition, probably the best we have EVER seen! This started life as a French Modèle 1822 Flintlock Musket, made at the Royal Arsenal in Châtellerault. 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 rifled barrel, approximately 0.71" in diameter, bored out a bit from the original 0.69". There are many markings on the barrel breech, including a clear 1838 date on the right side, along with two proof marks as well, and Cde 18 for an 18mm bore, which is approximately .708".

It is also marked Mle 1822 T on the barrel tang behind the rear sight, for the model of musket, and the "T" indicates a percussion "transformation". There is also the word bis (again) behind the tang screw indicating another "transformation", in this case the addition of rifling to the barrel. There is the word TULLE stamped TWICE onto the right side of the butt stock, indicating most likely where both of the conversions occurred. The original production rondel mark around the wooden plug is present, though unfortunately the markings around it are too faint to read.

The rifled musket is fully steel mounted and bears a clear maker marking on the lock plate: 

M're R'le de
Châtellerault

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Châtellerault (also known as Manufacture d'Armes / Imperieale de Châtellerault), the Imperial Arsenal in central western France. There are also some small proof marks on the lock plate, and on top of the insert where the flash pan used to be. The plugged holes for the pan, frizzen, and frizzen spring are also still easily visible on the lock plate.

The stock is really in great shape, and unlike so many we see, does not look to have had any major arsenal reconditioning, so the many of the original markings are still quite clear. The red wooden plug on the right side is still intact, indicating that it was a military rifle, still has a legible M. R marking on it, indicating it was produced at one of the Royal Arsenals, though as stated before the information around it is too faint to read. There are additional proofs on both sides, definitely possible avenues of research. Overall it has a great color, with no major damage, an is just a fantastic example.

The 40 1/2 inch barrel has markings mentioned before, and overall has a mottled patina, showing some staining and oxidation to the original bright finish. With an overall length of 55 1/2 inches, it has been shortened several inches from the original length, not uncommon during percussion conversions.

Overall condition is very nice, with the metalwork still retaining much of the original bright finish, with light oxidation staining in areas.  We checked the bore, and the 4 groove rifling is definitely still visible, however it shows wear and light fouling in the groves. This is definitely a rifled musket that saw use since conversion. The lock is fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. The original ramrod is still present in the channel under the stock, with the correct cup end with a small hole through it. Both sling swivels are present and still move, though they can be a bit stiff.

This is an excellent 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 great addition to any display of imported arms, having been updated circa 1860.

In lovely condition, a French M-1822 Percussion Converted Rifle ready to research and display!

Year of Manufacture: 1838 - updated later.
Caliber: .71" with four groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 55 1/2 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.

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.

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