The tanegashima matchlock arquebuses were used from their accidental introduction by shipwrecked Portuguese adventurers in 1543 through the mid-19th century until the fall of the samurai in 1877 and remain in use for ceremonial purposes today. This impressive example features a heavy iron barrel with a smooth bore, large block front and rear sights with grooves, and inlays, including untranslated calligraphy, a representation of Fudo Myoo standing with his sword and lasso, and the mon of the Tokugawa shogunate. "T O" is stamped on the right ahead of the priming pan. The lock and mountings are brass. Ramrod absent.