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Portuguese explorers in the mid-16th century, were used into the late 19th century, long after matchlock firearms had been replaced by flintlock and percussion arms by Europeans and other western countries.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 traditional sights, an inlaid scene of a bird on a cherry blossom branch ahead of the rear sight, a Matsunaga mon inlaid behind the rear sight, floral breech plate, and engraved floral blooms and a tiger on the stock.

Fine overall with dark patina and some mild oxidation/pitting on the barrel, aged patina on the brass and inlays, distinct engraving aside from the tiger inlay, and minor scratches and marks on the wood and metal. Mechanically fine.