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June 15, 2012 11:24:00 AM
Posted By Thomas L. Buck

My son in the family "cave" with our latest aquisition... an early 17th century Japanese matchlock, it's a little over 53 inches, or 135 centimeters.

matchlock


matchlock
matchlock
matchlock
matchlock
Below, the flashpan:

matchlock
matchlock
Below are top views of the barrel, showing silver/copper/gold inlay work depicting 2 squirrels on a grape vine, and the Mon (or family crest of the owner).

matchlock
matchlock

And, here is an excerpt from W. M. Hawley's book "The Mon - Japanese Family Crests", page 28, showing the family names that used variations of this crest..

matchlock

On the bottom side of the barrel is the gun smith's signature, shown below:

matchlock
matchlock
matchlock

The above signature reads  -  国 Country(Kuni)・時代 Era(Jidai)：近江国(Gousyu/Toutoumi)　江戸時代 (from 1603). 

 

 

 
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Thomas L. Bu...
Duluth, MN

 
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