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Japanese Matchlock Tanegashima Musket circa 1750-1850


Kanemono
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This Japanese smoothbore musket is often referred to as a 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. These were also often called in Japanese and sometimes in English hinawajū (火縄銃), or "matchlock gun." These muskets were used by the samurai class and their foot soldiers (ashigaru). In a country that venerated tradition, the use of the Tanegashima continued for over 300 years, until the 1870s and early 1880s. The coming of the MEIJI era in 1868 was the beginning of the modernization of Japan. This Tanegashima probably dates to around 1750-1850. It has a smooth bore barrel of 24" with an overall length of 38". It has a family "MON" on the right side of the butt. There are holes in the stock, which were used to direct the excess match lock wick through the stock and out of the user's way. The matchlock action is all brass, complete with pan cover and serpentine hammer or fuse holder. The trigger is also brass of button form protected by a simple brass bow trigger guard. This matchlock has been fired a great deal since the touch hole and the surrounding barrel are heavily corroded.

 

 

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