RARE**WELL KNOWN GUN MAKER**Edo Period 1603-1868 Japanese Samurai 36 Bore Tanegashima Matchlock Musket With Smith Signed Barrel ‘GOSHU (province) KUNI (town) TOMO TO (gunmaker’s group Edo Period) HEI BEI (maker’s name) DO MAKI ( Damascus like barrel)' Sn 22071 Muzzleloader None Rifle

**RARE**WELL KNOWN GUN MAKER**Edo Period 1603-1868 Japanese Samurai 36 Bore Tanegashima Matchlock Musket With Smith Signed Barrel ‘GOSHU (province) KUNI (town) TOMO TO (gunmaker’s group Edo Period) HEI BEI (maker’s name) DO MAKI ( Damascus like barrel) - 22071

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. This Japanese Samurai matchlock made sometime in the Edo period has a fully functioning action. It has a 39 ¼”long octagonal barrel which is 36 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 signature as ‘GOSHU (province) KUNI (town) TOMO TO (gunmaker’s group Edo Period) HEI BEI (well known maker’s name) DO MAKI (wrap around barrel like Damascus). The matchlock has a triangular iron block fore sight and grooved iron block rear sight. It measures 49 ¼” overall length. It has wood stock with brass fittings. The fore stock is holed for ram rod which is absent. The wood has just light bumps and bruises to be expected with age & use. It has a brass ball trigger on the underside of the stock. The 'quick match' arm moves as does the hinged brass pan cover. The lock plate has a tooled depiction of a Dragon. 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 22071

£1,375.00