Lot 46: Unidentified Brass Framed Matchlock Pepperbox Hand Cannon

Date and location of production for this interesting matchlock pepperbox are unknown, but most likely is of Japanese manufacture. Six-shot barrel group, with a series of decorative cuts at the breech area. The frame is accented with a pair of bronze bands at the front, with starburst patterns around the match hole and a crescent moon shaped trigger, which is squeezed vertically to drop the top mounted match arm. No other mechanism is included; barrel rotation and alignment are performed by hand. Fitted with a one piece smooth birds head grip, with a set of teardrop shaped brass escutcheons on each side, with a six pointed star around a lanyard hole on each side.

Very fine. The brass components show a mixed aged patina. The match arm has been broken and soldered in place, and is now too short to reach the touchholes, otherwise mechanically very good. The grip is excellent, with a few light pressure dents.