Pistolet modèle An XIII
The Pistolet modèle An XIII was a flintlock cavalry pistol, in service in French units from 1806.
| Pistolet modèle An XIII | |
|---|---|
 French cavalry pistol model An XIII, made by M.(anufacture) Imp.(éria)le de Saint-Etienne circa 1804-1815. M. On display at Morges castle museum. | |
| Type | Flintlock pistol |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1806 - 1840 |
| Used by | France and various others |
| Wars | Napoleonic wars |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Manufactures Impériales of Charleville, Maubeuge, St-Etienne, Tulle, Versailles, Mutzig and Torino |
| Produced | 1806-1814 |
| No. built | 300 000 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1.270 kg |
| Length | 352 mm |
| Barrel length | 207 mm |
| Cartridge | 16.54 mm, 27.19 g lead ball 6.52 black-powder propellant 1g black-powder ignition |
| Calibre | 17,1 mm |
| Action | flintlock |
| Rate of fire | 2 to 3 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 168 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 5 to 10 metres |
| Feed system | muzzle loading |
| Sights | fixed front post and rear notch |
The Pistolet modèle An XIII 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. Over 300 000 pistols were made, mostly between 1806 and 1814 in Charleville, Maubeuge and St-Etienne. The Americans copied the design as the Harpers Ferry Pistol, and used it against the British during the War of 1812.
The Pistolet modèle An XIII was designed to equip mounted units, each horseman using two pistols. It was also used by the Navy. 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.[1]
Navy pistol, on display at the Musée national de la Marine
Sources and references
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