Pistolet modèle An IX

The Pistolet modèle An IX was a flintlock cavalry pistol, in service in French units from 1801.

Pistolet modèle An IX
French cavalry pistol model An IX. On display at Vevy History museum.
Type	Flintlock pistol
Place of origin	France
Service history
In service	1801 - ca. 1815
Used by	France and various others
Wars	Napoleonic wars
Production history
Manufacturer	Manufactures Impériales of Charleville, Maubeuge, St-Etienne, Tulle, Versailles, Mutzig and Torino
Produced	1801 - 1808
No. built	80 000
Specifications
Mass	1.290 kg
Length	352 mm
Barrel length	207 mm
Cartridge	16.54 mm (0.65"), 27.19 g lead ball 6.52 black-powder propellant 1g black-powder ignition
Calibre	17.5 mm (0.69")
Action	flintlock/caplock (after 1840s - An XIII standard Only)
Rate of fire	2 to 3 rpm
Muzzle velocity	168 m/s
Effective firing range	5 to 10 metres
Feed system	muzzle loading
Sights	None

The modèle An IX replaced the modèle 1777, which had been criticized to the point where the older modèle 1763 had been brought back into service.

This pistol is superficially similar in appearance to the well respected Pistolet modèle 1763/66 pattern. The Pistolet modèle An IX is in effect the same in terms of changes made to the musket pattern of the same year, but when compared to the modèle 1777/1786 had the spring and brass barrel bands of its predecessor restored to make it much easier to service.

The Pistolet modèle An IX, like its earlier patterns, was designed to equip mounted units, each cavalry soldier using two pistols. It was used in most mounted units of the Consulat and during the early years of the Empire, as well as in the Navy.

In 1806, the Pistolet modèle An XIII was introduced; the two patterns co-existed for some time, until the last modèles An IX were upgraded to the An XIII standard. In the 1840s, the variants that were now of the An XIII standard were converted to a caplock action.

Variants

• 
  A variant with longer barrel.

Sources and references

• mle an IX.html Le pistolet de cavalerie de 17,1 mm modèle an IX