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.
TypeFlintlock pistol
Place of originFrance
Service history
In service1806 - 1840
Used byFrance and various others
WarsNapoleonic wars
Production history
ManufacturerManufactures Impériales of Charleville, Maubeuge, St-Etienne, Tulle, Versailles, Mutzig and Torino
Produced1806-1814
No. built300 000
Specifications
Mass1.270 kg
Length352 mm
Barrel length207 mm

Cartridge16.54 mm, 27.19 g lead ball
6.52 black-powder propellant
1g black-powder ignition
Calibre17,1 mm
Actionflintlock
Rate of fire2 to 3 rpm
Muzzle velocity168 m/s
Effective firing range5 to 10 metres
Feed systemmuzzle loading
Sightsfixed 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]

Sources and references

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