Page 234 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 376 Fine Japanese Sword with Sword Bag - Measuring 39 inches overall, this sword is outfitted with a 26 3/4 inch blade with a slightly wavy hamon, attractive grain, and a brass habaki. A round iron tsuba is installed, sculpted with a pierced-through scalloped pattern and bearing floral and fu-dog motifs, textured copper furniture with gilt borders, and polished copper menuki with “bird in brush” designs. The tang is unsigned and well aged, with one redrilled mekugi- ana. The saya has streaked black lacquer finish, with textured and gilt bordered furniture that is match for the sword fittings. A protective bag is also included. Per statements from the consignor, this sword was a family heirloom brought home from Japan by an unnamed U.S. Army doctor. CONDITION: Fine overall, with some light spotting and rubbing on the blade, clear hamon, and mild staining of the wrap. Some play is present in the furniture, and the saya shows some splitting at the seams and chipping of the lacquer. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 377 Japanese Sword with Sword Bag - Measuring 33 1/2 inches overall, this sword is outfitted with a 25 3/8 inch blade with a wavy hamon, attractive grain, and a gold washed copper habaki. A round darkened copper tsuba is installed, with a tie-down snap, fu-dog and floral motifs on the furniture, and brown cord wrap over gold dragon menuki. With a black lacquer saya and protective bag. Per statements from the consignor, this sword was a family heirloom brought home from Japan by an unnamed U.S. Army doctor. CONDITION: Very good, with some light wear and handling marks overall, a few nicks in the edge, and a forming split in the front of the habaki. The bag is in good condition. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 378
Ornate Engraved and Inlaid Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock Arquebus - NSN, 50 cal., 40 inch octagon bbl., silver/brass finish, hardwood stock. The 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Portuguese explorers in the mid-16th century, were used into the late 19th century, long after matchlock firearms had been replaced by flintlock and percussion arms by Europeans and other western countries. This example is particularly ornate. The octagonal smoothbore barrel has a triangular front sight blade, series of silver butterflies, brass and silver inlaid floral and Japanese lion designs, and a silver mon. The lock has untranslated calligraphy at the front. The brass inlays on the stock include another lion and floral patterns. CONDITION: Very good overall with dark aged patina on the silver and brass, dark brown patina along the iron barrel, absent pan cover, absent pin from the heel plate, and minor dings and scratches on the otherwise very good stock. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 379 Inlaid Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock Arquebus - NSN, 47 cal., 39 1/4 inch octagon bbl., black/silver/bright finish, hardwood stock. Tanegashima arquebuses were the main firearms used in Japan for around three centuries until the opening of Japan in the mid 19th century. The smoothbore barrel has a triangular front sight, grooved block rear sight, silver inlaid Oda clan kamon, and two untranslated markings. The stock has floral and Japanese lion accents. CONDITION: Very good plus with mellow aged patina on the silver and brass and dark patina along the crisp barrel, minor dings and scratches, an absent inlay on the bottom of the stock, and mild overall wear. The hammer is slightly bent inward and the lock needs work (sear insecure). Estimate: 1,300 - 1,900
LOT 380 Pair of Dragon Engraved and Inlaid Japanese Matchlock Pistols -A) Japanese Matchlock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 13 inch flat top round bbl., gold/silver/brown finish, hardwood stock. The Japanese used matchlock firearms for centuries, but the pistols tanzutsu) were and remain less common than full length arquebuses. Matching pairs like this are even rarer. These pistols have a dragon wrapped around a sword design engraved on the barrels and highlighted with silver and gold, blade and grooved block sights, and some floral accents. CONDITION: Fine with dark brown patina on the barrel, aged patina on the brass and inlays, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some mild dings and scratches and some faint hairline cracks. Mechanically fine. B) Japanese Matchlock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 13 inch flat top round bbl., gold/silver/brown finish, hardwood stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with mostly dark brown patina along the barrel, aged patina on the brass and inlays, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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