Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely interesting weapon. It started life probably in the late 1700s or 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 1880s to take a Murata single shot bolt action system attached to its original smoothbore matchlock barrel. 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 51 inches in length, with a 35 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel, which has a nice clean bore. The bolt cycles correctly, and dry fires with a trigger pull. There are simple fixed sights on the front and rear of the barrel.
The wood stock is unadorned other than TWO large decorative plaques, one each side of the butt stock, which are attractively engraved. The stock wood itself is quite curly, with a great amount of figure. It does have some cracks around the barrel, but these seem to be from the wood itself, and not from damage. The original cleaning rod is also still present under the barrel.
We've only had one of these conversions before, and while not as ornate, this one is definitely in better overall condition. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1800 converted c.1880
Caliber: 11×60mmR Murata
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 51 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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