Tanegashima Matchlock

[Marplot]

Just picked this up from Rock Island Auction May 19

Always wanted one of these. It is being shipped and am eager to try it out. I have some experience with muzzleloaders, but never had a matchlock.

I like the silver dragon inlays on the barrel. 41" Barrel, .52cal, classified by RIA as antique. Expect it was made between 1543 and 1868. Another forum think it was made in the 1700s. But who knows?

 

[Jim Watson]

Trigger guard, and is it of the "snapping matchlock" design?

 

[RickB]

Cool.
I have one that my dad brought home after "the war", about which I've found little info.
My dad thought it was 300 years old, someone has told me it's a modern replica, and the truth is somewhere in between.

 

[4V50 Gary]

What a masterpiece! I'd rather have a replica made to shoot, but that's just me.

 

[Marplot]

Have shot mine and works great.