French Model An XIII Pistol
Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1805
Also known as: Pistolet modèle An XIII, Model 1805 Cavalry Pistol, French Year XIII Pistol, AN XIII
Overview
The French Model An XIII is a single-shot .69 caliber flintlock cavalry pistol adopted in 1805 (Year XIII of the French Republican Calendar) and produced in large numbers for Napoleon's armies. Manufactured at the Saint-Étienne, Charleville, and Maubeuge arsenals, it succeeded the modèle An IX and incorporated a brass-tongued barrel band, brass furniture, and a steel-reinforced grip spine for greater durability. Carried in saddle holsters by French cavalry and cuirassiers, it served as a standard sidearm throughout the Napoleonic Wars.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1300 g (45.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 368 mm (14.49") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 150 m/s (492 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 306 J (226 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | White Metal |
Calibers
- .69 Caliber Musket Ball · primary — also known as 0.69 in, 17.5 mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Brass Furniture, Belt Hook, Octagonal To Round Barrel, Steel Reinforced Grip
Service history
Operators
- French Imperial Army · adopted 1805 · as Pistolet modèle An XIII
- French Cavalry · adopted 1806
Conflicts
- Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)
- Battle of Waterloo (1815)
Production
Estimated total produced: 300,000 · Production years: 1806-1814
Over 300,000 produced, mostly between 1806 and 1814 at the Saint-Étienne, Charleville, and Maubeuge arsenals.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Discontinued: 1815
Notes
The muzzle velocity and energy figures are approximate estimates for a short-barrel pistol firing a .69 caliber lead ball; roundball loads varied widely with the powder charge. The .69 designation reflects the smoothbore bore diameter.
Background
Adopted in Year XIII of the French Republican Calendar (1805), the An XIII pistol armed the cavalry, cuirassiers, and mounted troops of Napoleon's Grande Armée and remained in service well into the mid-19th century.