Viper6924

Amongst the huge collection at the Stibbert Museum in Florence, there is a matchlock that opens up just like a modern shotgun. I’ve only handled it for a few minutes, but if my memory doesn’t fail me, the gun was pretty much a standard-looking matchlock except for how it opened up. Was it a later modification or just a one-off? No idea. I just know that it’s the only one I’ve seen with such a feature. Jan

I stopped reading at the ”by 1544 massproduction of the Tanegashima was was in full sving all over Japan” or something to that effect. At 50-60% historical accuracy, you should not spend too much energy on this text. Quite amazing that a Japanese, which judging by the picture, owns such a large collection, doesn’t know more about his native history. To quote our favorite orange ex-president: Sad, so sad 🙂🙂🙂 Jan

It’s become a part of my morning routine to go through 2-3 different matchlock-related sites in order to see what has happened during the night. Like you Peter, I of course wish that there was a single platform out there with full focus on the matchlock. But in this digital day and age, it’s becoming an impossible wish. Facebook generates a lot of ”members”, so if you are into likes, it’s a great place. But on the other hand, there are a lot of white noice at such large platforms that can become a nuisance. One good thing with Facebook is that I notice more and more Japanese that starts to get involve. This is something I do miss on smaller platforms. So I guess it’s all about taking the good with the bad 🙂 Jan

and here’s the picture Jan

Well, Piers cracked it in fine fashion. I have encircled two areas which differs from a Sendai zutsu. On a ”true” Sendai, the Kaiguchi (match holder) is very elongated. The locals calls it a horse face. The little plate at base of the Hibasami (forgot the proper name) is drop-shaped on a Sendai. Small but important details when looking for the origin of a matchlock. On a sidenote; there were several gunsmith families working in and around of Sendai during the Edo period, that signed their work with Goshu Kunitomo... I guess the Kunitomo pedigree, was so important, that even after the family relocated to Sendai, they continued to sign their work with the famous village of Kunitomo. Jan

There are more genuine antiques present on those pictures than you see in a well-stocked antique-shop 🙂🙂🙂 Jan

What better to read with my morning bowl of porridge, than Piers latest military operations. Tsuyama seems to be a bit of a rain magnet. I remember quite dark clouds and rain, when I visited the place in connection to one of your displays. Very vise move to rest the 50’. Hearing about the power of the new 100’ warms the heart of this ol’ tepponista. Can’t wait to hear it ”live” after this darn pandemic is done with. Interesting piece of insight at the end regarding the amount of effective rounds fired by a matchlock in the rain. Worth keeping in mind when you read about the old battles being fought over several hours. It also strengthen my own opinion that matchlocks were indeed a weapon mostly used as an initial shock-weapon. As you say, after 5-6 rounds, the matchlock had played its part and it was time to bring out the edged weapons. Thanks for taking the time writing this, Piers! Jan

Did they say from which distance they were firing their matchlocks? Jan

Loving the box, Piers! Look at those large rivit-heads protecting the corners. It will be hard work carrying it around Tsuyama Castle. But it will be worth it. Can’t wait to see you firing the 50 monme for the first time. Oh, and let’s not forget the premier shot of the new 100 monme. Will def rattle the Cherry blossoms Jan

This is quite cool! I have matchlocks made by gen 1 + 2 Sukedayu. Now we can add gen 3 to that list. Really happy you managed to reveal the signature, Robert. Interestingly enough, my gen 2 matchlock was also made according to the Tazuke ryu school of gunnery, which shows how popular this school was during the 17th century. Jan

I agree with Piers. There’s a Kunitomo feeling to it when I see shape of the Hibasami (serpentine) and design of the sights. A very simplified version of a Tazuke ryu matchlock. If not Kunitomo, then surely Sakai 🙂 Jan

Was Sukekane a relative to Sukenobu? Jan

When I hear of the horror stories regarding the shipping for both of you, I get cold sweats. Piers; was that a picture from the 100’ you got from Europe? Gary; the seller was a proper nut, so I’m happy on so many levels that you managed to ”relieve” the gun from him. Now you must spend a weekend opening up all these lovely matchlocks and show the world who and where they were made I think this is the first time that I see a 1872 registration from Kyoto. Jan

Even if I try my best to translate the old kanji on swords and matchlocks, I often find myself at the mercy of Piers 🙂 When it comes to freeflowing waka, I’m totally lost. The man from who I got this waka, has a Japanese wife. She tried her best translating it. According to her, this waka is probably about people praying at the great temple of Ise Jingu. The waka was written by Daiko Sogen who was the head abbot at Daitokoji in Kyoto during the middle of the 19th century. I have highlighted ”Daiko” with a red circle. Any assistance will be highly appreciated, as usual. Jan

May I echo Piers by stating that I struggle to find anything said on those pictures 🙂 I think it’s a sweet little matchlock that still retains a lot of its original charm. I would probably only fix the ramrod and then be done with it. Let me add that if you feel to embarrassed owning such a matchlock, you already got my adress 🙂 Piers, I’m packing my bags as we speak...😉 Jan