watsonmil

Dear Piers, Ian, et al : Back on page 113 of This Week's Edo Period Corner, ... I/We were discussing a dried out Gun Case I have and which I want to preserve and soften the leather. I had noticed some indications of rot developing as well, therefore the haste in finding a suitable method of restoration. I promised to get back to the forum with the results and method of restoration so here goes : I did some Internet Research and found a company that specializes in leather preservation and conditioning. The Company name is : Preservation Solutions, LLC, Golden, Colorado 80403, USA WEB SITE : http://www.preservation-solutions.com I spoke some length with their technical experts and were advised that the product they recommended was developed for Museums. The product name : Leather Rejuvenator. 1st. I removed the stitching so as to get a better working surface. 2nd I slowly stretched the two halves apart over a period of three days. 3rd. Following their instructions I lightly dampened the inside surface of the case with luke warm water using a sponge. The whole gun case was then sealed in plastic for 6 hours to allow the leather to soften. 4th. After removing the case from the plastic wrap, I found it had softened to the point that I was now able to lay the whole case on it's back and spread the two leather halves apart without fear of tearing. 5th. Using a sponge BRUSH I applied a generous coating of Leather Rejuvenator to the leather. As per instructions the case was once again wrapped in plastic and left for 24 hours for the chemical reaction to take place. 6th. After the 24 hours were up, I removed the case and allowed it to dry slowly at around 65 degrees F for a couple of days. Since it felt dry to the touch, yet supple I felt it ready to proceed with the next step in my restoration / preservation approach. Given that I had noticed some rot setting into the leather I decided to add a leather liner to give the leather strength and preserve the case. 7th. I acquired a suitable piece of tanned calf hide ( leather ), .... and cutting this to fit the inside of the gun case. 8th. I applied Contact Cement to both the inside of the gun case and to one side of the calf hide and then very carefully applied the calf hide to my inside gun case. This I allowed to dry for 24 hours carefully pressing the inside and the outside of the gun case together to make sure I had a good bond. 9th. Since it appeared the next day that I had a good bond, and that the case was flexible and still supple, .... I re-stitched the case using the same holes that were original to the old stitching. 10th. I now inserted the 8 monme tanegashima, and voila it fit like a glove. I have left the tanegashima inserted for well over a week now, ... and today removed it to see if the leather was still supple or whether it had dried out around the form of the gun. The gun was withdrawn with ease and the leather appears to be both supple and strong. Although it was a shame to have to use a liner, ... I feel this was the correct choice in order to preserve this rather rare artifact for my enjoyment as well as future collectors enjoyment. I hope you all learned a little, ... and of course I will gladly answer any questions. I am also happy to entertain criticisms. Submitted with respect for NMB members, ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, VERY nice indeed, ... it begs the question, .... where the hell to you store all of your goodies. :D ? ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Sounds like a fine way to spend a morning, ... or all day. It is often the bits and pieces that one finds that can make for the greater reward down the road of restoring an item that is missing just the piece one bought for a few dollars. I 've had it happen many times. Unfortunately here in Canada we didn't have too many Samurai, ... but other goodies that one often finds makes for a pleasant day away from the rigures of work or household maintenance. When I used to visit Europe on occassion, ... a trip to Burmondsey market ( in London ) at 5:00 AM torch in hand was a must. ... Ron Watson

Dear Rob, Quite a good book is : Japanese Animal Art by Lea Baten, ISBN 7-07-974943-0 ... and although I do not have it, ... and long out of print ... Decorative Motives of Oriental Art , by Katherine M. Ball ( might be available if you're near a major Public Library ). ... Ron Watson

Dear Ken, Generally most of these locks are more to secure the drawer from someone casually being snoopy, than to avoid intended robbery. Not guaranteeing this will work, ... but I've had luck with old locks by: Take a piece of thin steel sheet about 2 inches long slightly thinner than the width of the slot, and cut it or grind to the correct width. Bend it in a vise to the correct angle to fit the key slot on the lock plate. You now can insert this bent piece of steel to find the correct depth to hit the back of the lock. Now grind or file away all but the end of your piece of steel ( leaving about 1/2 the depth of the lock on the one end of your key blank or sheet ). Quite often by inserting this primitive key you will be able to turn and lift the tumbler ( catch ). If you don't succeed on turning and catching the tumbler, remove a little more off the end and/or width of the primitive key and try again. Now should this work, ... you go and find yourself a proper looking flat key ( antique junk shop ) and bend and file to fit and look correct. Trying to explain in writing is making this sound difficult, ... but it really is not. A little patience is required, .. but it often works. ... Ron Watson

Dear Ford, I just finished watching Mr. Graham-Dixon's ... I, Samurai. For what my opinion is worth, ... I found it both entertaining and I for one also gleaned ... " some significant insights from listening carefully to what is being said ". An example if I may ... would be when the potter's work is being discussed, and the beauty being seen in the imperfections. The idea of " perfection " is all too often what we wish for or attempt, ... but rarely achieve. There can be great beauty in IMPERFECTION if we care to achnowledge imperfection. I also enjoyed reading the numerous opinions ( reviews ) on this site the NMB. In particular the comments on ECCENTRICITY. My God, ... talk about the POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK. I for one am glad to be eccentric ( or considered eccentric ), .... who in their right mind would want to be what the masses consider NORMAL. Good grief that would be boring. The BBC's documentary/series is not perfection, ... it was not meant to be perfection. If it were, it would be as dry as reading an article on the molecular structure of marsenite comparing nie to nioi. It brings to mind the English Proverb .... " Separate the wheat from the chaff " fellow members and I'm sure we can all learn at least a little, ... no let me correct that to a lot ! Thanks Ford for at least an hour of diversion from the stress of living and work. I enjoyed your link to the youtube. ... Ron Watson PS. Paul, ... I for one did not think your criticism was directed at Mr. Harris or necessarily anyone else but rather the scene. I am quite sure you are as eccentric as any of us who study the Arts of the Samurai, ... and your opinion is certainly as valuable as anyone's.

Dear Ian, Fortunately the stitching is on the outside, and altough close ( tight stitching ), ... I do not forsee a problem. In the case of your tuska cover, ... I too have one done in exactly the same way as yours. Amazingly it too is quite supple. The lacquer does not appear to have penetrated deeply into the leather, ... so am not overly concerned. My real concern is to put some life back into this artifact and stop further deterioration ( but without damaging ). Conservation/ Restoration is ALWAYS a diifficult and frightening task as I'm sure you are well aware. This endeavour will be carried out with care, but as you well know even the best of plans can go awry. If you or others know of experts in this field, and can put me in contact, that would be appreciated. In the meantime I shall continue to research procedures before I put my brains to leather. Thank you all for your knowledable and kind input. ... Ron Watson PS. Piers, ... For goodness sake with your vast experience, ... jump in here if you think I'm doing wrong somewhere. PS. Barry, ... Dubbin is a tallow, and unfortunately suseptible to going rancid ( that was one product I have investigated ).

Dear Piers, Yes, ... I have thought of the problem, ... and the plan is to cut the old hand stiching ( which I can or rather wife can ... and then post treatment re-sew ). This will allow me ( or should I say the wife ) easier access. I think I will try Ian's brains first ( Jesus that didn't come out right ). Lucky for me I do not have a squemish wife. You know I've hunted and dressed wildlife myself, ... yet the removal and/or handling of brains I find somewhat nauseating. I wonder what Ian's friend did about the odor ( brains do smell ). Perhaps a coating of Mink Oil post brain treatment or even Lanolin or possibly Henk's " ledercreme " ??? Opinions are welcome. I shall as promised post a thread on my success or failure down the road. In the meantime thank you ALL for the assistance and advice. ... Ron Watson PS. I have the most wonderful wife with whom I have shared many happy years. Would you all be so very lucky !

Dear Ian et al ... BUT ... mostly Ian, You realize Ian that there is a 6 hour time differential between where I live in Canada, and where you live in the UK. I was sleeping when you posted that bit of knowledge ... ie. " Brains " ... rubbed into the leather. I was eating breakfast ... a bowl of Porriage when I read your treatment ! Key words here are .. " was eating ". I know that animal brains were used by our Natives ( Indian & Eskimo ) in the leather tanning process, ... so off to the Abattoir I shall go, .... now since my wife does the cooking around this man's castle, and the mending of clothes ... she can do the rubbing in. I shall keep you all abreast of the outcome. Tell me this Ian ... if your bloody brains do such a fine job ... why is it your leather tsuka cover is still stiff ?? . ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, See my article ( previous post ) .... An Interesting 8 monme Tanegashima. I did not acquire the gun and gun case together, ... it is just coincidence that they make a good match. ... Ron

Dear Piers, Ian, .. or others, I have had in my collection a rather nice Gun Case for a Matchlock. The problem I have is that although in quite nice condition, ... the leather is so very dry and stiff that it will no longer accept a gun being inserted. The outside is covered in a black laquer, ... with pawlonia crests in gold laquer. Is there anyway of making the leather supple again. I have tried Neatsfoot on the inside sometime ago, ... but it does not seem to have made much difference. Have you guys any suggestions, ... or is it a case ( excuse the pun ) of leaving well enough alone and just display as is ??? Also any suggestions for preservation for both the lacquer and the leather would be most welcome. ... Ron Watson PS. Piers you did a wonderful job of restoration. Correct restoration of artifacts is a science unto itself, ... often liberally peppered with improvisation and imagination ... BASED on STUDY of the old original techniques.

Dear Curtis, The Pawel Nowak SCAM has been at this for years. ... Ron Watson

Piers, An outstanding collection. Thank you for the post. ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, I aquired that object probably 15 - 20 years ago, ... and it has been cleaned. I most likely cleaned the inside as well, ... I cannot detect any odor nor loose particles. It is just one of those anomilies one runs into from time to time. I always asumed it was a Priming Powder Flask. I do remember it being dirty, ... and I do not like dirty artifacts. A little more caution would have been in order. I still think it is Oriental and a Priming Flask, ... but whether it is Japanese ??? Given the opening shape and having tried it the way I described as a Netsuke worked so well that I think for now I will keep it with the Japanese accruments as a PROBABLE / POSSIBLE. How the hell did you know I like a challenge . :lol: ! Oh and while I have your attention , ... given your quest for NAME THAT CASTLE says something about your also liking a challenge. Perhaps our Scottish Heritage ... ??? ... Ron Watson PS: The Cork and the Ito are my later additions.

Dear Piers, I still have reasonably good feelings about the container I depicted as being a Japanese Priming Flask, ... 1. The size is bang on for a Priming Flask. 2. Materials are correct, and workmanship excellent. 3. The opening has been carved to closely simulate a poppy ( similar to some Tanegashima muzzles ). 4. The attachment for the string/braid is at first appearance allowing the opening closure to hang downwards instead of the normal upwards configeration. HOWEVER, ... note it's width ( the silk braid ). If we attach a normal size main load powder flask to the other end of the silk braid, and use the Priming Flask as a Netsuke ( actually works quite well ), .... then the opening to the Priming Flask is not only RIGHT side up, .... but after pouring out the main musket charge into a measure and loading, .... a simple pull upwards on the Priming Flask brings it to the correct position for priming the pan. I just do not know, ... but I cannot ( perhaps I am mistaken ) believe that the Japanese of the Edo Period were so regimental in their patterns that they did not allow themselves innovation. Anyways I suppose we'll never know for certainty unless one can be identified in direct relationship to some other shooting accessory, be it in a collection or museum, or print. One of those annomolies that keeps the brain cells from deteriorating ( lets hope ). Your opinion or that of Bazza, Thomas, or Ian or any other member who might have seen similar would be belcome. ... Ron Watson

Dear Anthony, So much hubub about a simple hypothetical question. One of the few to answer the straight forward question posed by Anthony was Barry who posted some very nice Menuki found on an otherwise mediocre wakizashi of poor quality. Very nice Barry ! I know I have bought a sword simply to get the Tsuba, ... an otherwise mediocre wakizashi which was tired and past restoration. Picture attached. I also once bought a sword simply to get a very fine Koto period sword that was in WWII mounts. I also bought a terribly damaged Tsuka for the furniture. Not a difficult question to answer in my opinion Anthony. I would also agree that with some responders .... we can never ascertain what the author really intended or what was going on in his or her own brain at the time of writing what he or she wrote.... ... Ron Watson PS. Could we please leave out references to starving children in war torn countries and stick to the subject of the thread.

Dear Piers, Illustrate, ... Illustrate, .... but get some sleep first ! Regards, ... Ron

Dear Piers, The cork I simply added to the flask myself ( not original to the flask ). You may well be right ( Chinese Snuff bottle ), ... but it still would hang upside down and I cannot recall seeing a snuff bottle with an attachment for hanging. I was hoping you might have seen something similar since you are in the right location. It was the Muzzle shaped opening that made me think Tanegashima. It will remain for now as curio of questionable use . ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Speaking of tiny priming flasks, ... I picked this one up a number of years ago at a Gun Show. It is constructed of horn and wood. What intrigued me was the shape of the mouth ( it looks much like the muzzles we see on some Tanegashima ). It really is the only reason I bought it and the only reason I feel it is probably Japanese. Your opinion or that or of others would be appreciated. It stands 2 3/4 inches high and because it is made of a translucent horn one can see the amount of priming powder inside. The flask is very well made. The closure is simply a cork I found of suitable size. ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Since no one seems to be able to identify the particular engagement depicted in your woodblock prints, and I am assuming this was going to be an illustration for your lecture. You state : " Next Tuesday I am supposed to be giving a talk in Japanese on Netsuke and Ukiyoe to a group of Japanese citizens. Third, and thankfully last talk in the series. " It is my understanding via PM that you were having some trouble coming up with subject material. As you stated this is an older well educated group, ..... I was thinking why not : The evolution of Shunga from the Edo Period to 21st Century Hentai. God, ... would I love to be a fly on the wall for that ! ... Anonymous Ron

Dear Thomas, In passing, .... I am delighted you did not take offence to my criticisms/observations, ... I also would like to thank you for bringing these Korean Matchlock's to everyone's attention ( and especially mine ). It is the supreme source of knowledge ... SHARING ... One of the most wonderful aspects of the NMB and it's members is the free sharing of knowledge. Your contribution by bringing these little known firearms to forefront for our greater understanding is appreciated. I learned much today and for that I am as we all are indebted to you and your photos and explanations. I don't often take my hat off to others in the field of firearms, .... but in this case I feel I must. Again thank you for bringing these examples to our attention. ... Ron Watson

Thomas, You say : " At one point, gov't corruption became so bad that the structure in which the matchlocks were produced was changed. Every village was required to maintain an armory and they bought their matchlocks through the gov't channel. The officials at the top skimmed the profits and required villages buy more matchlocks even though their armories were full. The villagers ended up selling older matchlocks to afford the new ones. Their complaints about the practice were finally heard and a system was devised where each region would have its own manufacturing facility, which took the monopoly out of the corrupt officials' hands. " Sounds like things never change ... " gov't corruption ", .... only the name of the Party in power ever changes. Politics and Bureaucrats are the two most obscene words in ANY language. In response to : " The Matchlock is Japanese in appearance, but Korean in origin " ..... sort of like building Nissan cars in Detroit or worse yet ... Nihonto in China ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, 1. The hole or depression at the back of the stock is in the identical position of the Japanese ( match holder/or match extinquisher ) except it has either lost or never had a brass decoration around it. ( actually probably lost as I think I can faintly make out a discoloured ring mark on the wood about the correct size ). 2. Indeed the inlay decoration on top of the barrel does look like it was at least once a Kamon both in position and style. It may have been modified to some Korean kanji or owner mark. I would bet however that it at least once was a Japanese Kamon. 3. I can agree that the Serpentine is somewhat different from the normal Japanese configuration, ... but only the jaw shape. This may well be a replacement serpentine or a Japanese Serpentine later modified by the Koreans. In my opinion this matchlock is 99 44/100 % Japanese, .... and in dispicable condition given that it has not seen even a minimal of care by the Institution in whos hands it resides. ... Ron Watson

Dear Thomas, To me at least this gun has all the features and apperance of being Japanese in origin. Note the overall stock shape, ... the rear sight, ... the ball type trigger, ... the shape of the flashpan, shape of the butt. It would be virtually ( without handling it in person ) to me at least be of Japanese manufacture. If this is of Korean manufacture, ... well then they had a Japanese Tanegashima possibly of KISHU to act as a pattern. Did it have an outside or internal main spring ?? In any event the poor bloody thing is in need of some tender loving care and/or in ( my opinion ) past any hope of reserection. Your opinion Piers ?? ... Ron Watson PS: Thomas why the white gloves, ... disease prevention ?? My sarcasim has a purpose ( not to hurt or belittle you ), ... although this gun may have been acquired in terrible condition, .... I see nothing that the " Institution " has done in the way of even minimal conservation. Let this act as a " heads up " to anyone planing on bequething ANY artifact to an Institution. I have all too often seen storerooms in museums with wonderful objects that the benefactor thought would be cared for or under the misleading understanding displayed for public viewing. In most cases the object simply becomes part of the UNUSED inventory of these usually " Government owned " treasure houses ... more often than not gathering dust and rust.

Veli, Far from ..... it is always nice to see what appears to be a very nice example. Have you translated the signature ? I am a little surprised no one has commented on your aquisition. Well, ... I appreciate seeing it . ... Ron Watson