Model An IX Pistol
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Pistol · Discontinued · 1801
Also known as: Pistolet modele An IX, An IX Cavalry Pistol, Model 1801 Pistol
Overview
The Model An IX is a French .69 caliber flintlock cavalry pistol adopted in 1801 to arm the mounted troops of the Consulate and the First French Empire. It replaced the criticized modele 1777, restoring the brass barrel bands and spring of earlier patterns to make the smoothbore weapon easier to service in the field. Each cavalry trooper carried a pair, and the heavy brass butt cap doubled as a skull-crushing club once the single shot had been fired.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1290 g (45.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 352 mm (13.86") |
| Barrel Length | 207 mm (8.15") |
| Height | 170 mm (6.69") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 150 m/s (492 fps) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 2 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Wood |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Polished Brass Furniture On Walnut Stock |
Calibers
- .69 Caliber Musket Ball · primary — also known as 0.69 in, 17.5 mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle-Loaded Ball And Black Powder
- Features: Octagonal-To-Round Barrel, Brass Barrel Band, Brass Skull-Crusher Butt Cap, Steel Ramrod, External Frizzen And Pan
Production
Estimated total produced: 300,000 · Production years: 1801-1815
Combined figure for An IX and the derivative An XIII pattern, mostly produced 1806-1814 at Charleville, Maubeuge and Saint-Etienne.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Discontinued: 1815
Notes
Produced at the Charleville, Maubeuge and Saint-Etienne arsenals; many were later updated to An XIII pattern. Also issued to the French Navy.
Background
Carried in pairs in saddle holsters by hussars, chasseurs and cuirassiers, the An IX was a close-range cavalry weapon meant for the melee of a charge. Its brass butt cap earned the nickname 'skull crusher' because troopers routinely reversed the pistol to bludgeon opponents when there was no time to reload.