Windycity

Dr. Rebecca Copeland at Washington University in St. Louis asked Japanese Subject Librarian, Azusa Tanaka, to look at the marks on this gun and Azusu provided very helpful translation and interpretation. The report provided reads as follows: "The script on the gun reads “Goshu Kunitomo Gen’noshin Chin’ei* (last letter unknown).” Goshu is another way of calling Omi Province which is now Shiga prefecture in the main island of Japan. Omi Province was established at the time of the Taika Reform (645), and the present name (Shiga prefecture) and boundaries were established in 1881 (Encyclopedia of Japan). Kunitomo Gen’noshin is a name of person, most likely male name. Kunitomo is a family name, and Gen’noshin is a given name. Kunitomo had been one of three important centers of manufacturing guns since the mid-16th century to the late 19th century. Kunitomo gunsmith group was resided in Omi Province. The first experience of guns in Japan was either in 1542 or 1543 when the Portuguese landed in Kyushu. 12th Shogun (one of the military dictators) Ashikaga Yoshiharu and his son were interested in this new firearm, gave the one received from the Portuguese to Kunitomo and asked them if they can make a copy. This was the beginning of Kunitomo gunsmith’s manufacturing guns. Later during the Edo period (1603-1868), Kunitomo gunsmith group was directly hired by Edo government, and their skills were highly recognized [Mizuhara, 1969]. There is a museum of Kunitomo gun maker in Shiga prefecture. I asked them if they have any record about Gen’noshin, but I haven’t heard back from them. It is hard to tell, unless I learn who he was or if he was a real Kunitomo family member, whether this particular gun is real Kunitomo brand or not. I read that there were some fake Kunitomos just calling themselves Kunitomo in order to sell their products. Chin’ei I don’t know what this term means. I asked about this to the museum, I will see what they know about it and the letter I cannot recognize." Very helpful report and one that could lead to additional information. I welcome and board member response to this report. My sincere thanks to both Dr. Copland and Azusu Tanaka!!!

In further studying the Kamons (Mons) I have located what appears to be two Clans with the same Kamon shown in the pictures above - Nukia and Kasai... Here is the link to the Kamon document with images. http://www.iaido-basel.ch/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_view/gid,12/

Piers, My gun collecting has unexpectedly taken me down this new road and I have much too learn. Again, I sincerely appreciate the help and will continue my research. Without your help, I wouldn't know where to begin. Hopefully, more to come. Pat

Piers, Once again thank you for your help. I welcome any translation assistance from any board member or other expert. I will also begin to seek translation from other sources and will report back. Pat

Piers, Again, thank you. Very helpful information as I continue my research. Any further help on identifying the smith and a broad range of value for such a gun would be appreciated. Pat

Sooner than I thought... here are images of the signatures from under the barrel... hope someone can translate and confirm origin. Once again, thank you all!

Pier, Barry, Thank you again for the help. I will be taking some additional photos and posting early next week. More to come. Pat

Brian, Erik, Thanks again for the help. I don't know if I trust myself yet to work on such a gun though I am anxious to see what I find. More to come and thanks!! Pat

Eric, I will be taking it in to my gunsmith who I believe knows how to disassemble. If not, I will ask the question here. Thanks, Pat

I will disassemble the gun, get photos and update this post accordingly. May be a couple of days. Thank you so much for the assistance. Pat

I am new to the forum and looking for help. I recently acquired a very nice gun collection and one of the most fascinating is what appears to be an original Japanese Matchlock. The gun is in exceptional condition and and has been reviewed by a US guns expert who believes it is likely authentic but also admits this is not his specialty. I am attaching images below (hopefully). Distinct markings include rabbit inset on stock and marks on barrel similar to rare early matchlocks. The San Francisco Sword Society website shows a 120 caliber Tanegashima with the same barrel mark present on the barrel of this gun. Any help or even a referral to the appropriate expert would be very much appreciated. Thanks, Pat M.