wdjensen123

Just got this with a lot of Japanese writing. Can anyone translate it? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I returned the child's matchlock. It was an old fake. Sincerely Bill Jensen

Anyone know how many grains of gunpowder would be a good charge for a 28 caliber bullet? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

In the second set of photos, 8.jpg, there is a 5 petalled brass flower. What is it for? I see a lot more of them on Japanese matchlocks on the net. Another way I can have grounds for returning the childs matchlock is to complain that the serpentine hammer does not mate up with the pan, I was assured it does. Anyone else think it looks to be malaligned? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Dear Jo Jo Saku, What is the date of manufacture of the pictured matchlock. Is it old, or a modern replica? Its beautiful. If old, why would the profuse decorations be done to attract western buyers if it presumably was used for the Japanese market? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Here is a Japanese matchlock pistol in a museum (Penn State) that claims to have an almost straight butt. But no picture I am afraid: http://www.penn.museum/collections/object/318742 Sounds like mine. It says"Japanese matchlock hand cannon or pistol. Small, wood, pistol with metal bore and matchlock firing mechanism. Almost straight-butt end does not curve much at all. The outside edges of the muzzle are carved out in an octagonal shape."

Attached is a picture of a Japanese (edited as par a writer's suggestion) matchlock, the one on the bottom. Note the graceful S curve of the serpentine hammer. This looks more like mine. So it appeas that the hammer at least is Japanese in character, albiet unusual. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I have noticed a major difference from the links to authentic Japanese pistols to mine. The serpentine hammers have a very short left side (might be because these examples have internal mainsprings) and angular bend, and my serpentine is a graceful gentle curve on both sides. Also the right side of the Japanese authentic ones are angularly sloped, with a close large head for the match to attach to, where mine doesn't seem to have anything like that at all. Are my observations correct? What do you make of these details? Are Rifles serpentines anything more like mine, especially the ones with external springs? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Any ideas about the powder flasks that come with my matchlock? Do they look Japanese? I saw a few examples of Japanese powder flasks up for sale on Ebay in the $300 range. Do you think I might sell them for as much as that, incomplete as one of them is? I might be able to recoup some of my money if I decide I must keep it. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I have bought very few guns, mostly ones that seem unusual. This is my first matchlock, and I got it because it looked so different from others I have seen on the web, and I wanted to learn all about it, where it was made, by who, and dating, etc. That's what piques my interest. And I like to find early examples of things, and it is my suspect that this gun is far older than a date of 1800, what do you think? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Brass then. I'll be sure to upload more and detailed pictures of the gun after I get it the day after tomorrow. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I thought the engraved metal strip on the back of the stock looked more like brass. Does it look like copper to you? What is your interest in the designs? To see if it looks Japanese, or something else? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Do you guys think my childs matchlock is made in Japan, or a cheap India or other matchlock? Someone seems to think so. I express mailed my payment today, and paid for express shipment of the matchlock to me in return. So I will know in 2 days if there is a signature under the barrel. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

What is your guys opinions on me trying to see if I can test fire it with a 25 caliber bullet? Is it dangerous. I plan on making sure there is not a loaded charge already inside it. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I thought it wise to pay as promised. And get it in hand for further evaluation. 40-50% marked barrels is a pretty good chance for more information. Why does it look like this matchlock looks cut down? Was it a rifle or a carbine? Sincerely, Bill Jensen