Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Japanese Edo period Tanegashima matchlock musket, dating approximately 1750-1850 and distinguished by extensive decorative inlay throughout the barrel and lock area. The 40" octagonal smoothbore barrel is ornamented with gilt, silver, and brass inlaid birds and Shinto motifs, while the stock retains a very attractive dark brown translucent urushi lacquer finish and numerous blossom shaped brass and silver fittings.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Japanese matchlock is commonly known as a Tanegashima (種子島), named for the island where Portuguese firearms were introduced to Japan in 1543. There had been a storm which drove a Chinese junk to anchor at the island, and two matchlocks were purchased by the local lord from Portuguese passengers. Japanese craftsmen rapidly copied and adapted the design, and after some assistance by a Portuguese gunsmith brought in by the lord, matchlock firearms soon became important weapons in the warfare of the Sengoku period. They were used by both samurai and ashigaru foot soldiers and remained a recognizable element of Japanese military material culture well into the Edo period.

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. This period was comparatively peaceful, and firearms also acquired ceremonial, sporting, regional, and decorative roles. Highly ornamented examples such as this one demonstrate that these arms could be treated not only as practical weapons but also as finely finished works of craftsmanship.

This example measures approximately 54 1/4" overall and has a 40" octagonal smoothbore barrel measuring approximately .48 caliber at the muzzle. The barrel facets are subtly concave or hollowed along their length, an unusual construction detail noted during inspection.

The front sight consists of a notch formed on a rectangular base, while the rear sight is also notched and incorporates an internal lateral slot. This may have been intended to accept an additional removable or adjustable sight element, though the exact original arrangement cannot be confirmed.

The top of the barrel is particularly ornate. Two gilt inlaid birds flank a central silver bird, all retaining finely engraved details. Closer to the breech is an inlaid representation of a:

Gohei (御幣)

formed in brass and silver. The gohei, consisting of a wand with folded paper streamers known as shide (紙垂), is associated with Shinto ritual and the presence or veneration of kami.

Additional silver birds are inlaid into the lock plate, which is also engraved with the upper portion of a:

Torii (鳥居)

with one bird perched upon it. The torii is the characteristic gateway associated with Shinto shrines. The precise symbolic meaning intended by the combination of birds, gohei, and torii on this particular musket is not documented, but together they form an unusually elaborate decorative program.

The matchlock mechanism is primarily brass and retains its serpentine match holder, trigger, trigger guard, flash pan, and hinged brass pan cover. The internal spring mechanism remains present. The serpentine can presently be cocked and released by the trigger, and the pan cover continues to function. These observations describe only the present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the musket is safe to load or fire. The smoothbore interior shows old fouling, oxidation, and age related surface deterioration.

The wooden stock is in very good condition overall and retains a rich dark brown translucent urushi lacquer finish. A longitudinal seam is visible along the underside of the stock, terminating near the breech band at a small opening containing a heart shaped fitting. Similar construction features are known on other Japanese matchlocks and appear to relate to the manner in which the stock was assembled and fitted. Next to this is an inlayed flowering "Arrowhead" plant executed in brass, silver, and another substance we do not recognize. There are several repaired cracks near the muzzle, but no other major structural damage is noted.

Many of the small escutcheons and decorative fittings are shaped as cherry or plum blossoms, common floral motifs in Japanese decorative art. Some are brass while others are silver. All appear to be present, except for one missing along the left side of the fore stock. A silver lined opening passes through the stock immediately behind the lock and would have allowed the match cord to be threaded through the stock, with additional cord retained on the opposite side. A further fitting on the left rear portion of the stock appears intended to secure or retain the free end of the match.

With its extensive gold, silver, and brass inlay, bird decoration, Shinto gohei and torii motifs, unusual hollowed octagonal barrel facets, brass matchlock mechanism, blossom shaped fittings, and exceptionally attractive urushi lacquered stock, this is a particularly ornate example of an Edo period Japanese Tanegashima. The repaired muzzle area stock cracks, oxidized and fouled bore, uncertain removable rear sight component, and broad circa 1750-1850 dating are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Japanese arms, samurai era, Edo period, matchlock, Shinto decorative arts, or advanced Asian firearms collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1750-1850
Bore Diameter: about .48"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 40 inches
Overall Length: 54 1/4 inches
Action: Matchlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

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.