Tanegashima arquebuses, named after the island on which they were introduced by shipwrecked Portuguese explorers in the mid-16th century, were used into the late 19th century, long after matchlock firearms had been replaced by flintlock and percussion arms by Europeans and other western countries. The barrel has two raised Tokugawa mons, a traditional grooved block rear sight, an engraved and inlaid design with two arrows, and a series of untranslated Japanese markings. The Tokugawa shogunate was the final Japanese feudal military government from 1600-1868.

Good with dark brown patina and mild pitting on the iron, an absent front sight, aged patina on the brass, and crisp markings and designs. The stock is fair and has chipping and cracking ahead of the pan, a crack or partially repaired chip on top at the breech, some white marks, and scattered scratches and dings. Mechanically needs work as the sear is not properly engaging the serpentine.