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 looks to have seen only light to moderate use after this, and is honestly probably the best example of one of these that we have seen. The markings on both the metalwork and stock are still crisp, and it looks beautiful. It is even fitted with an aged leather lanyard on the end of the grip to complete the look.

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 some stamped markings, including a roundel that looks to read JANVIER / MI / 186? (we're not sure on the last number of the date), probably from the last conversion, as well as a stylized letter cartouche. It also has a 184 serial number, which is also stamped on the left side of the barrel (partly under the stock), and on the ramrod. This lovely example has definitely had a long and interesting history.

The lock is clearly marked with the manufacture information:-

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 7 3/4" barrel has still has clear markings on the left facet, which we almost never see. There is a clear C.de 17,6 for an 17.7 mm bore, which is approximately .69". Next to this are several circled letter cartouches, which we do not understand the significance of. There is also a T. 1861 marking by the cap bolster over MI, indicating that it underwent its last conversion in 1861 at Tulle.

The metalwork is lovely, still showing a good amount of the original bright steel finish, There is just some light staining in areas, and no major oxidation or other damage anywhere we can see. It looks like it was well cared for over the years, and didn't see much use at all. The cap nipple cone bolster, and even the cone itself, show little to no powder burn from firing. The lock is still fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it is a bit stiff, probably due to not having been used much. The ramrod is still present and in great shape, though it can be hard to remove from the stock. The stock is really lovely, showing a lovely deep red brown color, and the usual dents and small dings from storage and use.

This a fantastic lightly used 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 fantastic condition, a French M-1822 Percussion Converted Rifled Pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1830s, updated 1861
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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