The tanegashima arquebuses were the primary firearms in use in Japan from the arrival of firearms middle of the 16th century until the entry of Commodore Perry's fleet and the adoption of more modern firearms in 1854. This example appears to be a finely crafted contemporary copy. Many tanegashima are still used in ceremonies and reenactments in Japan today. It has grooved sight bases with small spots of solder and an untranslated symbol on the lock plate ahead of the serpentine. It also has silver plum blossoms and other floral motifs, and a brass vine design along the comb and a rampant brass lion on the right side of the butt. A silver plate with untranslated symbol is on the butt, and a kamon with a wood sorrel design is between the breech collar and trigger guard. The latter appears to be the Katabami clan mon. Behind the nose cap is an engraved silver inlay in the design of a wood sorrel butterfly similar to the Taira clan mon. Similar symbols are discussed in one of the included documents. Most of the inlays are accented with black fill to provide attractive contrast. The consignor has also included a copy of "The Typhoon Brought Guns" by Harold L. Peterson discussing how the matchlock was first introduced in Japan via a Chinese trading boat that was blown of course during a typhoon in 1642 and landed on the island of Tanegashima. The island's name came to mean "firearm" to the Japanese after this event.

Very good with brown patina visible on the barrel with numerous patches of surface oxidation, including unique barrel accenting applied by hammering marks, and a mix of bright surfaces and aged patina on the brass. The silver has attractive aged patina. The revarnished stock is very good with light handling and storage marks and a few scuffs. The lock mechanism is currently non-functional and has no sear. The tip of the serpentine has a crack. The vent is not drilled which makes this matchlock a decorative piece rather than a functioning firearm.