French Napoleonic Model AN XIII Flintlock Cavalry 69 Caliber Pistol Maubeuge Arsenal - Collectible *1812 DOM*

This is a French Napoleonic era Model AN XIII Flintlock Cavalry Pistol chambered in 69 caliber. It was produced by Maubeuge Arsenal in 1812 (according to the chamber and cartouche date). It features a 7.5-inch barrel, original flintlock action, large brass pistol butt cap, proofed round ball ram rod, and numerous proof/arsenal marks. The side plate sports in script "Maubeuge Manuf. Imp" and the rear top barrel flat "M . an 13". Overall, this antique is in great shape for a French Dragoon pistol made well over 200 years ago. The white steel show signs of pitting through the finish and the stock features bumps and scratches throughout. This would make a great choice for those looking to add a unique piece of history to their collection. This pistol does not feature a Serial Number however the bottom butt cap features the number 2 in script. These pistols were generally issued in pairs, so this maybe the second one issued in a pair. AN XII model Abridged History The Pistolet modèle An XIII was a flintlock cavalry pistol, in service in French units from 1806. It was mostly inspired by the Pistolet modèle An IX, which it succeeded, but also incorporated elements of the Navy pistolet modèle 1786, notably the barrel mountings. A critical difference between the Pistolet modèle 1777/1786's front barrel band and the one used on the Pistolet modèle An XIII was that instead of being pinned into place like the former, it was instead screwed into place and the barrel band was lighter weight; mostly solving the overheating problem the barrel band design caused in the Pistolet modèle 1777/1786. This variant was ultimately made to reduce the cost and simplify the weapon compared to the Pistolet modèle An IX while retaining similar reliability and ease of care as the previous pattern. Over 300,000 pistols were made, mostly between 1806 and 1814 in Charleville, Maubeuge and St-Etienne. The Pistolet modèle An XIII was designed to equip mounted units, each horseman using two pistols. It was also used by the Navy. Both the An IX and An XIII patterns co-existed for a time after initial introduction, however some of the An IX Pattern Pistols were upgraded to the An XIII standard. An improved version, known as the M1822, was produced after the Napoleonic Wars. They were kept in service well into the 1840s, at which date the pistols still in usage were converted to use percussion caps.