Original U.S. Civil War Era French Navy Modèle 1822T bis Percussion Converted Pistol

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 one of the French arsenals. 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 a good amount of use, and repeated cleanings have worn down the metalwork as well as the wood. This has unfortunately removed most of the markings that were originally present.

There is no model designation visible on the tang, but originally it would have been marked with "M'le 1822 T", for the model and the "T" indicates a percussion "transformation". There would have also probably been "bis" (again), indicating another "transformation", in this case the addition of rifling to the barrel. There would often be a serial number stamped in several places, but only the cleaning rod is marked with 234. The lock still has a faint Manuf' R'le marking visible, but the second line indicating the name of the arsenal is too faint to read. There is however a C in an oval, possibly indicating that the second line originally read "Charleville" or "Châtellerault".

The 7 3/4" barrel markings are worn away as well, however it definitely has all of the correct characteristics that it should, including the shape of the cap bolster and the rifling in the barrel, though it is definitely worn. It definitely saw long service, and if it was a Civil War import, markings may have been scrubbed. It now shows a bright polished patina on all of the ironwork, with some oxidation present on the hammer. The brass portions have a lovely mellow patina, with no signs of overly aggressive cleaning. We assume it saw long use as well as repeated cleanings. The lock is functional, however it no longer holds at half cock. We checked the bore, and we can still see clear rifling, but also fouling and oxidation from use. It measures out to about 0.71", so it definitely has some wear. The original ramrod is present, and actually in great shape, still retaining the threads on the narrow end. The stock is really lovely, showing a lovely deep red brown color, and the usual dents and small dings from storage and use. It has been finished, and definitely has lost some material from cleanings.

This is a lovely 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. A French M-1822 Percussion Converted Rifled Pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1830s, updated later
Bore Diameter: .71" rifled
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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