Edo era Taneshagima (matchlock)
This here is a 17th century Tanegashima (matchlock) and I think its the coolest thing ever. First it’s from the 1600’s, second, check out the barrel with its intricate inlay of swirling clouds and dragons, and third, the apparent owner of this firearm indicated in the inlay. Now, the owners name isn’t expressly written but, Matsudaira Houki no Kami is and that’s good enough for me (I can’t confirm all the kanji used, but I’m not completely fluent, so we’ll go with it for now). If true, this gun belonged to a member of the Matsudaira clan, and coincidentally this clans’ mon (crest) is the same as the Tokugawa mon, the reason, Tokugawa Ieyasu was born Matsudaira Takechiyo. That’s the cool part. 
Whoever owns this piece, owns a piece of Tokugawa history, and since I study Japanese history I would love to have this in my collection.
I also like the way the Japanese took the Portuguese technology and changed it to suit their needs. They dropped the fishtail stock and converted the guns from a shoulder braced device into a purely hand held one. They would hold the gun in both hands and stabilize it by opposing pressure, the leading hand pushes forward while the rear hand pulls. I thinks that’s why there is a hook on the butt of the gun. The manufacturers eliminated kickback to the shoulder but I would think it would make the users cheek feel more of the brunt. Yet another example of how the Japanese have historically taken outside technology and converted it to their needs. Sugoi ne!
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Tags: Edo, Matchlock, Taneshagima
October 30th, 2007 at 4:27 am
Can you provide more information on where the gun came from?
Please send reply to mikiharumi@msn.com.
Thanks,
Peter Matsudaira
June 20th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
It is my understanding the Japanese elimination of the shoulder stock on the Portugese matchlock was due to the Samuri armor of the time precluded a shoulder stock. If held correctly, the recoil bypasses the cheek in large part and is absorbed by the hand and arm. If not held correctly, it would certainly make the shooter’s cheek ‘unhappy’.
Don’t ask how I know!
The proximity of the pan to the face makes it entertaining enough when fired. Showers of sparks. The Samuri firecoat and helmet were required to prevent the shower from becoming burns. Again….don’t ask how I know!
This is indeed a LOVELY piece. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I did not expect this on a Thursday. Good job
. Added a subscription to your feed.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I have a Japanese Matchlock, longer than the one above with the short curved butt stock. The inlay on the barrell is not as intricate as the one above, but the inlay on the stock is outstanding, including a Japanese War Fan, flowers, birds, rabbits, clouds, water, and something that looks similar to an owl. Very curious about the date of mfg, and the value, possibly interested in selling.
Sue
February 21st, 2009 at 9:29 am
Hi Sue,
It`s not easy to say anything about an item wihtout see and feel.The japanese matchlock has been made for a long time in almost the same shape.
Sometimimes it was made for war and some times just for wearing.In any case i just believe they are a fantastic work of art.If You may have the possibility, please send some pictures.
Kind regards
andbry
mail: anders.brymell@telia.com
February 21st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Andbry,
Sent you a few pictures. Let me know if you get them.
Sue
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Sorry, haven`t got any pictures yet.Please try again.May have recived it in my “spammap” and by accident deleted it.
Promise to be more careful as i know that you will be trying to mail me.
andbry
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 am
Andbry,
Resent the pics. Not the best quality pics as they are from my phone.
Sue