Original Item: One of a Kind. This is an extremely interesting weapon, especially considering the historical impact of firearm development in Japanese history. It was crafted probably in the late 1700s or early 1800s as a matchlock firearm using black powder and a very primitive ignition system, far behind the rest of the world. This type of gun is often referred to as a Tanegashima (種子島), after the island where a Chinese junk with Portuguese adventurers on board was driven to anchor by a storm in 1543. The local lord purchased two matchlocks from the Portuguese, and then had his swordsmith copy the weapon. Some parts of the process were problematic, so a Portuguese blacksmith was brought over to assist, and the guns were completed, with much success.

These were also often called in Japanese and sometimes in English hinawajū (火縄銃), or "matchlock gun", and they were used by the samurai class and their foot soldiers (ashigaru). Within a few years the introduction of the Tanegashima in battle changed the way war was fought in Japan forever. They were used extensively in the wars leading to the formation of the Tokugawa shogunate 1603, which began the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo.

During this time, Japan returned to being essentially a closed society, essentially blocking contact with the outside world. There was also a general lack of the large scale field battles where firearms were most effective. Due to this, advances in metallurgy and firearms ignition systems never reached the artisans in Japan. In a country that venerated tradition, the use of the Tanegashima continued for over 300 years, until the 1870s and early 1880s with the coming of the MEIJI era in 1868. This was the beginning of the modernization of Japan, however the old Shogun War Lords wishing to maintain the old way rebelled in the SATSUMA REBELLION of 1878.

This Tanegashima musket is a very utilitarian example with simple sheet brass decorative ornamentation, dating very probably to around 1750-1800, and it is a weapon of beauty. It has a smooth bore barrel of 47 ½" with lovely brass fitting at the muzzle, and has an overall length of 57 ½". The barrel has a standard stepped notch rear sight and stepped brass front sight. There is a brass "flower" on the back of the stock, and some small inlays on both sides of the rear. It also has two dome shaped brass attachments on the end of the grip, and the right side example fits perfectly into the palm. There are also numerous small brass barrel bands holding the barrel in place, something we have never seen before. There is also some sheet brass decoration around the touch hole area, which shows a lovely matured patina, and there is also a brass ring on the bottom, possibly used to direct spare wick for the lock.

The musket has a lovely wood stock, which shows a lovely dark cherry color. There are some repaired cracks on the rear grip, though they may be part of the manufacturing process. There are also some small cracks near the woodline on the fore stock area, and one on the bottom as well. There is a wooden rod stored under the barrel, which is definitely a display replacement ramrod.

The matchlock action is mostly made of brass, complete with pan cover and serpentine iron hammer or fuse holder. The brass trigger does have a brass trigger guard, which we do not often see, and the mainspring is also brass. The trigger has a loop through it, so it may have been intended to be fired remotely if needed. The lock still does cock correctly and dry fire, though there is some kind of mechanical fault with the trigger, so it must be pulled back and twisted around a bit to make the lock "fire". There is still the proper pan cover to prevent accidental ignition. 

A handsome Japanese Tanegashima Musket, worthy of any collection. Ready to display.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1750-1800
Bore Diameter: about .45"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 47 ½ inches
Overall Length: 57 ½ inches
Action: Matchlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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