Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely interesting weapon. It started life probably in the early 1800s being constructed as a matchlock firearm using black powder and a very primitive ignition system. These were often referred to as 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.
Subsequently, Japan returned to being essentially a closed society, essentially blocking contact with the outside world. Due to this, the use of the Tanegashima continued 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 ancient Japanese matchlock was converted in the 1870s to take a Murata Style single shot bolt action system attached to its original smoothbore matchlock barrel. It is quite possible that this was used during the rebellion itself. Imagine the SAMURAI so wanting to maintain their old ways would go to these lengths to adopt a modern ignition system.
The gun is in great condition and measures 50 1/2 inches in length, with a 35 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel, which has a clear bore, but does show oxidation in areas from powder fouling. The bolt cycles correctly, though it can get hung up on the sear and securing bolt at times, and it dry fires with a trigger pull. There are simple fixed sights on the front and rear of the barrel. The metal components are unmarked except for the number 398 stamped onto the bolt.
The wooden stock is totally unadorned, except for a painted 山 . 1475 on the right side of the stock. We assume this is some kind of rack number, and may possibly indicate where it was stored when not in use. The stock design is relatively simple compared to earlier Tanegashima muskets, and has two small iron sling loops installed, and no provision for a ramrod.
We've only had two of these conversions before, and they are quite hard to come by! While not as ornate as the previous two, it definitely shows the more utilitarian approach Japan took to weapon design in the 19th Century. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1800 converted 1870s
Caliber: about 13mm
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 50 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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