French AN XIII Flintlock Pistol

Description

Approximately 300,000 French AN XIII (Model 1805) flintlock pistols were manufactured
between 1806 and 1814 and widely used by French cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars.
Many were converted to percussion in later years. This example manufactured at the St. Etienne Arsenal and marked on the lock plate “Manuf Imp/de St etienne” in script, surmounted by a Crowned “J”. Round smoothbore .69 cal. 7 7/8″ barrel with octagonal breech, stamped with script “P” and the date “C1811”; faint “MLE AN13″ marking on tang. Walnut ¾ length stock, the left side with two illegible stamps, and brass barrel band, serpentine side plate, flash pan, butt cap, and trigger guard screwed to the iron trigger guard plate; Stamped “H” with star on barrel band, side plate, trigger guard, and butt cap. Barrel band also with stamped “4” on right side. Iron wrist strap with “H” stamp. No ramrod. Lock operates properly on its own, but will not hold on full cock when installed in the stock; chip in lock mortise at bottom rear of lock. Overall length 13 1/2”. Many of these were carried at the Battle of Waterloo in the suicidal attacks by French Cuirassiers against the British infantry squares.