Christina M Posted July 10, 2023 Report Posted July 10, 2023 Good evening. I am the new custodian of my late grandfather's Japanese Swords and Tanegashima. He brought them back from WWII and kept them hid away only showing them to my Father a few times before he passed. My father showed them to me a few years before he passed. I am the first to research the history behind the secret collection. No matter the findings the small collection will be treasured and kept for future generations. I am going to start with the Tanegashima. Attached are a few photos including signatures on the underside barrel and a mark on the top barrel. The gun has come to me in this condition so please be kind. 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted July 10, 2023 Report Posted July 10, 2023 Hi Christina, why not add the other photos in reply to this post? This is a Sakai (Osaka) hosozutsu small bore long matchlock, with some extra decoration, a ‘merchant’s gun’ of probably early to mid-1800s. When I get a minute I’ll try and dig up some more info for you. Kotobuki 壽 is a general wish for good fortune. 1 1 Quote
Christina M Posted July 10, 2023 Author Report Posted July 10, 2023 Thank you for your reply. Here are more photos of the decorations on the tanegashima. Quote
Christina M Posted July 10, 2023 Author Report Posted July 10, 2023 Can I post the sword pictures on this post or do I need to start a new post in the correct discussion page? Quote
Brian Posted July 10, 2023 Report Posted July 10, 2023 Swords...best to post in the Nihonto or Military section. Quote
Christina M Posted July 10, 2023 Author Report Posted July 10, 2023 Thank you, Brian. I posted it Nihonto. Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted July 10, 2023 Report Posted July 10, 2023 Your smith has quite quirky writing, but he is listed. The character for 嶌Shima is unusual but 摂州住嶌谷喜八郎作 重高+ 花押 Sesshū Jū (Living in Settsu i.e. Ōsaka) Shimaya or Shimatani Kihachirō (name of gunsmith house) Shigetaka (smith personal name) Kaō = artisan’s personal mark/seal Sadly there is no date recorded for this smith but even from those limited photos of decorations (placed there by others, specialist artisan group) the indications are late Edo Period. Typical Osaka flashy metalwork, but the trigger guard and serpentine in bamboo are a nice added touch. Quote
Christina M Posted July 10, 2023 Author Report Posted July 10, 2023 Thanks so much for your expertise. 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted July 10, 2023 Report Posted July 10, 2023 Thank you Christina! They are not easy to photograph, are they!?!?! Quote
Christina M Posted July 10, 2023 Author Report Posted July 10, 2023 No. Photos don't do it justice. Quote
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