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 .73" and remove all 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. The right side of the stock has various number markings stamped, including a very faint TULLE and what look to be rack numbers. This fine example has definitely had a long and interesting history.

The lock is marked:

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Imperiale 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 7 3/4" barrel has some faded proofs, as well as I7.6 for an 17.6 mm bore, which is approximately .69". There is also a T. 1855 marking by the cap bolster, indicating that it underwent one of the conversions in 1855 at Tulle.

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 very thin, has some cracking. It is also missing the ramrod from under the barrel. The lock is functional, however it no longer has a half-cock position. We do not know if this was an intentional modification, or whether the tumbler is damaged.

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 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

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