Japanese Tanegashima with Two Mon to the Stock and Dragon Motif to Barrel
Edo Period
.50 caliber. 41" octagonal barrel. SN: NSN. Browned metal finish. Hardwood stock. Matchlock rifle with fixed notch and brass triangle blade front sight. Stock features brass fittings overall engraved with what appears to be multiple maple leaves, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and a tiger to right side of butt. Wrist has two brass mon (family crest) to bottom, with the first being a Tsuru (crane) mon of the Takekoshi clan, and the second being a Take (bamboo) mon of the Matsudaira clan, according to consignor notes. Barrel appears to be inlaid with brass or gold alloy depicting a dragon intertwined with clouds and two fireballs to mid-barrel area. According to consignor notes this item is "an example of an early three monme Sakai gun." Sakai was known as a city where great quantities of tanegashimas were produced during the Edo period, and where many gunsmiths excelled in their craft. Item is missing the pan cover
This lot is located in Cincinnati.