This is a superb, very ornate and massive Japanese Tanegashima matchlock. Samurai and regular foot soldiers used tanegashima from the introduction of firearms in Japan by the Dutch in 1543 through the mid-19th century. During much of that period Japan was largely insular and avoided conflict which allowed the use of antiquated weaponry centuries after most of the world had moved on to more advanced firearms. Many surviving examples date to the late part of the Edo period (1603-1868). The heavy barrel gauges at 70 caliber and features extensive silver inlaid decorations of fish, mountains, and foliage. The fish have gold inlaid eyes and at the breech end are gold inlaid Japanese characters in a panel with a silver inlaid line border. One of the markings is a round kamon with three leaves/petals and a round center similar to some gingko inspired mons. The specific family it is associated with could not be located, but the characters signify "Ietsugu who resides in Omi Province." During the Edo Period, the province hosted five stations of the Tokaido and eight stations of the Nakasendo. Koka (Koga) in the south was the home of the famous Koga Ninja which was one of the two main founding schools the ninjutsu fighting style.The top of the barrel is fitted with sighting blocks which have gold inlay on two of the four corners. The muzzle end of the barrel is flared and octagon with gold inlaid band around the muzzle and simple line patterns. It is fitted with a large blade front sight. The mountings are brass and are also inlaid with silver in simple scroll designs. The hammer is decorated in the same manner. The stock is varnished hardwood.

Very fine. Almost all of the original dull brown finish remains. All of the inlays remain and are crisp. The brass components have a pleasant, untouched dark aged patina. The stock is also very fine with some minor cracking of the finish and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. This is possibly the finest matchlock that RIAC has offered for auction!