RARE**SMITH SIGNED**Edo Period 1600-1800 Japanese Samurai 38 Bore Heavy Tanegashima Castle Siege Matchlock Musket With Smith Signed Barrel ‘SHIBATA TSUJI MINAMOTO TARO’. Sn 22072 Muzzleloader None Rifle

**RARE**SMITH SIGNED**Edo Period 1600-1800 Japanese Samurai 38 Bore Heavy Tanegashima Castle Siege Matchlock Musket With Smith Signed Barrel ‘SHIBATA TSUJI MINAMOTO TARO’. Sn 22072 - 22072

Tanegashima, was a type of matchlock-configured arquebus firearm introduced to Japan through the Portuguese Empire in 1543. It was used by the samurai class and their ashigaru "foot soldiers", and within a few years its introduction in battle changed the way war was fought in Japan forever. Heavy versions were used on turrets and walls of castles during sieges to repel attacks. This Japanese Samurai matchlock made sometime in the Edo period is one of those heavy castle siege guns. It has a fully functioning action. It has a 41” long octagonal heavy barrel which is 38 Bore. The smooth bore has staining & residue consistent with age & use. The gun has been examined by Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg who has identified and translated a smith’s signature on the underside of the barrel, a copy of his translation notes accompany the gun. In his notes he translates the smith’s signature as ‘SHIBATA TSUJI MINAMOTO TARO’ and describes it as being made in the Edo period 1600-1800. The matchlock has a triangular iron block fore sight and grooved brass block rear sight. It measures 52 ½” overall length. It has wood stock with brass fittings and brass flower inlays. The fore stock is holed for ram rod which is absent. The wood has knocks bumps and bruises to be expected with age & use. One side of the stock above the trigger area has some impressions where brass flower inlays may have been present but are now absent and indentations most likely knocks received during castle wall or turret service. It has a brass ball trigger and brass trigger guard on the underside of the stock. The 'quick match' arm moves as does the hinged brass pan cover. The price for this excellent smith signed matchlock includes UK delivery. NB As an antique matchlock musket no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 22072

£1,295.00