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

Payment has been sent already. And I am good on my word to pay for it. The only reason I would return it is if the iron pan is drilled through, and they said it was not, a return based on false information. Possibly a return based on the understanding it was supposed to be a childs gun, and of imperial use. I may be able to return it on that account. In any case, I want to remove the barrel to see if it has some good signature and information on it. I will post pictures once this is done. What's wrong with the wood? I assumed it was rippled because of shrinkage and great age. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Dear Bugyotsuji , Can you post a picture of the tanegashima with the iron spring you have? Do you think its original to the gun, and how old is it? I may be rare to have an original iron external spring. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I am paying $1400 for this matchlock. I am sending payment out today, express. What percentage of Japanese Matchlocks are marked under the barrel? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Does anyone have a picture to post of the earliest known Japanese matchlock? Or its Portuguese Goa original pattern gun? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

I saw this on the web: "While the Japanese were technically able to produce tempered steel (e.g. sword blades), they preferred to use work-hardened brass springs in their matchlocks" so its not out of the realm of possibility that an old matchlock Could have had a iron / steel spring. From the amount of blackening on it, it appears to be an original part of the gun, and not a later addition. I just have never seen an iron spring before. I may consider returning it, especially if the pan is drilled out, and they were wrong in describing it to me. Otherwise I guess it will be a learning experience. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Does anybody know of another example of a Japanese matchlock with a iron / steel mainspring? Does this mean its a later repair, or could it be an anomolous old original part? Can blacksmiths make iron springs? I have heard of matchlocks with iron locks though. Sincerely, Bill Jensen

Is part of its crude ugliness the 5 barrel bands, or are there other features that make it ugly and a sows-ear? If the barrel is signed, does that mean that the named matchlock maker made the wood and brass parts as well, or did they only make the barrels alone, and had someone else do the wood and brass parts? Sinceerely, Bill Jensen

Is part of its crude ugliness the 5 barrel bands, or are there other features that make it ugly and a sows-ear? If the barrel is signed, does that mean that the named matchlock maker made the wood and brass parts as well, or did they only make the barrels alone, and had someone else do the wood and brass parts? Sinceerely, Bill Jensen

Here are some pictures of pistol butts that look similar to mine. Also look at the extrenal springs on them, kinda rare for pistols. What do you fellows think? Sincerely, Bill Jensen

What do these terms mean, and what is the significance and use? : pillow yari or a matchlock for inside a Norimono.