A reproduction of the French cavalry pistol associated with the later Napoleonic campaigns.
Supplied in a non-firing state.
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Technical details Specifications & construction
Barrel8 inches
Bore.69 calibre
Overall length14½ inches
Weight2.9 pounds
This
reproduction 8 inch octagonal-to-round barrel has a .69 calibre barrel.
With an overall length of 14 1/2 inches, this model offered the cavalryman
more ease in drawing and loading during combat.
The highly-polished steel used in the barrel is made of tempered seamless modern
steel (type:BS970 no.080M40)
with a tight
breech plug. It's overall weight is 2.9 pounds (1.3 Kg). The
reproduction offered here is stamped with the historically appropriate
proof, inspector, and controller markings for St. Etienne armoury in 1812.
The lock is made with strong durable springs
and has a
case-hardened frizzen (hammer) that throws good sparks.
We
use a industrial case-hardening factory process that makes sparking both more
reliable and longer lasting.
Presently no other musket provider uses
this technique.
As with all our
other flintlocks, the vent is not drilled (read details below) so we can ship easily to our door
throughout North America and to Europe and the UK.
Aside from that they
are exactly like
the originals.
A fine addition to any collection.
The story behind the pattern
History
Pistolet
de cavalerie modèle an XIII (1805)
Napoleonic Wars -
War of 1812 - Waterloo - 1830s European Revolutions
(Les Miserables)
With over 300,000 made, the AN XIII or
Model 1805 French Cavalry pistol was the most used cavalry pistol during the
Napoleonic Wars. Manufactured from 1806 to 1814 in the various
armouries of Napoleon's France, the version of this pistol offered here is
marked to the Imperial armoury of St. Etienne. It's design improved
upon its predecessors, the 1766 model and
the Year 9 Model. Like the
previous models, the grip is reinforced with a steel spine, and the brass
pan deters corrosion. Instead of a barrel band catch that is inlet
into the wood weakens the stock, the band is instead secured by a brass
tongue held by the front lock screw (see opposite side picture).
Exposing the ramrod more by shortening the stock allows the cavalryman's
gloved hand to draw it more easily. During the Battle of
Waterloo French Cuirassiers rode close to British Infantry square formations
and discharged this pistol into the massed troops.
A French Carabinier is caught with his Model 1805 Cavalry
Pistol unloaded at the Battle of Waterloo
After the Napoleonic wars, because so many
were made, this pistol continued its use for most of the half half of the
19th century. Below is a painting of the Papal cavalry near Rome being
ambushed by Italian brigands in 1819 (by Carle Vernet). Interestingly
enough, today it also appeared in the film Les Miserables, depicting the
French Revolution of 1830.
This design began to be copied in the
United States by the gunmaker Edward Evans in 1812 and throughout the War of
1812 he produced thousands for the US Cavalry. The only
difference was Evans kept the barrel band catch. It is also
clear that the US Model 1813 Cavalry pistol was influenced by this French
model. As most of Evans pistols were made towards the end of the war,
it is likely they saw more use in the westward expansion of the United
States.
Our Guarantee
If upon receiving
your musket you are not completely happy with your purchase, you may return it
for a refund.
All we ask is you cover the shipping costs. It has to be returned in two weeks of receipt and be in its original state (unaltered and unmodified).
Non-Firing State
We sell historically accurate muskets and pistols in a non-firing state for demonstration purposes. This allows us to comply with various local, state, national and international firearms regulations, along with shipping company policy restrictions. This means the product comes right to your doorstep. A certified gunsmith may decide to alter a musket or pistol to a firing state by drilling the vent hole and test firing it. No need to remove the breech plug. We are not legally responsible for any changes from its present state. Please read our Conditions of Use and Legal Disclaimer. The customer is expected to be aware of the laws of their locality that govern products of this nature.
