Pistolet modele An XIII

Go Back to Muzzle-Loading Pistol

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: Pistolet modele An XIII Type: Muzzle-Loading Pistol Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1806 Caliber: .69 Caliber Action: Flint-Lock Overall Length (mm): 350.0 Weight (kg): 1.00 Effective Range (m): 30

The Pistolet modele An XIII was a flintlock cavalry pistol introduced by France during the Napoleonic era, designed to standardize and improve the firearms used by mounted troops. The pistol featured a .69 caliber smoothbore barrel, which was approximately 8 inches long, and a robust walnut stock with brass fittings. It was a single-shot weapon, fired by a flintlock mechanism, and was notable for its reliability and ease of maintenance in the field. The design was influenced by the earlier modele An IX but introduced minor improvements for enhanced durability and handling.

Produced between 1806 and 1819, the Pistolet modele An XIII was manufactured in large numbers, with several French state arsenals responsible for its production. Tens of thousands were issued to cavalry units during the Napoleonic Wars. These pistols were typically issued in pairs and used alongside sabers for close-quarters combat. Their role was primarily to deliver a single, decisive shot before engaging in melee combat, a tactic common in cavalry operations of the time. The simplicity of the design made it relatively easy to produce and repair, ensuring its widespread adoption.

The Pistolet modele An XIII became a symbol of the Napoleonic cavalry, used extensively in many of the era's most famous battles, including Austerlitz and Waterloo. Its durability and effective design ensured it remained in service long after the fall of Napoleon, with many being converted to percussion locks in the mid-19th century. Today, it is a sought-after collector's item and a valuable artifact for museums, illustrating the evolution of military firearms during one of Europe's most tumultuous periods.