Mulberry stocks?

[Fabian23]

I have a question on a professional level unrelated to my Teppo.

 

I work in patents and I am trying to prove that various woods have been used in the making of stocks for firearms. There is one which has eluded me for now and that is Mulberry and I know it was/is popular in Japan for cabinet making. Was it by any chance also used for making matchlock stocks? If so I would be very grateful for a documented and dated source (prior to 2024) confirming it.

[Bugyotsuji]

In all my years of handling and discussing teppō I cannot ever recall hearing of 桑の木 Kuwa no Ki used for the stock/butt. Not saying it didn’t happen or it’s impossible, just that I have never run across such a suggestion until now.

 

Overwhelmingly they used 赤檮赤樫 ‘yew oak’, which is a super hard material that does not splinter easily when planed. Used also for bokutō and spear hafts.

[Fabian23]

OK, thanks for the clear answer. My search continues. So far I have only seen anecdotal evidence on various muzzleloading forums saying it is possible but sadly I need more tangible proof.

 

I suspect that most woods have been at least tried, even if later disguarded as unsuitable or superceded by better ones.

[goo]

Is your search isolated to Japanese firearms?