SUPERB**RARE** Edo Period Japanese Samurai Family / Maker Signed 22 Bore Matchlock Musket With Cannon Barrel, Silver Inlay & Brass Fittings Including Inlaid Silver Dragon Decoration To The Barrel Muzzleloader None Rifles

**SUPERB**RARE** Edo Period Japanese Samurai Family / Maker Signed 22 Bore Matchlock Musket With Cannon Barrel, Silver Inlay & Brass Fittings Including Inlaid Silver Dragon Decoration To The Barrel. Sn 13991 13991

The matchlock was the first mechanism, or "lock" invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. This design removed the need to lower by hand a lit match into the weapon's flash pan and made it possible to have both hands free to keep a firm grip on the weapon at the moment of firing, and, more importantly, to keep both eyes on the target. These pieces were made through to the late 19th century under Tokugawa Licence as special orders for Samurai families who needed to maintain their status in parades that took place during annual festivals. This Japanese matchlock has a fully functioning brass action and ornate fittings. It was made during the Edo period (1603-1868) & has a massive 41 ¾” long blued octagonal barrel with cannon muzzle which is .595” at the muzzle opening (approx. 22 Bore). The smooth bore has staining consistent with age. It has a blade fore sight and block rear sight. It measures 54 ¼” overall length. It has a full wood stock with heavy brass barrel bands and ornate inlaid brass and silver inlay fittings including floral, smoke / flame & Animal forms together with a large ornate silver inlaid stylised Dragon applied to the barrel. The underside of the stock has a small solid silver floral, possibly Oak leaf emblem pinned to the wood. It has a brass ball trigger on the underside of the stock within a brass trigger guard. The action correctly moves the 'quick match' to the powder pan and the weapon is fitted with wood ram rod. There are no visible Japanese gunsmith or family signatures on the exterior of this piece but the underside of the barrel under the wood has faint Japanese script signatures most likely to the Gunsmith and family who commissioned the piece (we will have the signatures translated & provide the findings to the purchaser of this piece). The price for this highly desirable, rare 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 13991

£2950