Need help identifying a teppo

[thisisadisplayname]

Hello!

Quite recently I happened to find what I believe is a genuine teppo at an estate sale.
I don't know much else other than that, Japanese weaponry is not my area of expertise, and I could find very little information overall.

I created this account and thread here just to figure out some things about the gun itself, like what type it is, where it's from, or the general era it was made in.
Also maintenance. I don't know how to do any of that stuff, but goodness knows it needs it.


thank you for your help and/or time,

-Tom

[thisisadisplayname]

Here are some additional images, as not all fit in the original post.

[Bugyotsuji]

Hi Tom,

From those photos it looks generally ok for a teppo. The style is 80% Sakai, Settsu no Kuni, i.e. Osaka. The barrel definitely looks old, though I am mentally holding on to the possibility that the stock/butt woodwork and brass metalwork may be younger replacements as the muzzle is atypical for Osaka. The large crysanthemum plate on the right of the butt looks as if it was added later, stuck on rather than embedded. The positioning of the foremost mekugi ana is more typical of Sendai. It is in relatively good condition, but will obviously need a new pan cover/lid to start with. You may need to make a new ramrod. Looks like a fun project.

 

When you have some time, please consider removing any mekugi pins and taking out the barrel to see if there is anything inscribed underneath.

[Brian]

Why do so many of these lack the pan cover? Argh. I think 3 out of my 4 are missing that. Wish someone made blanks that could be hand fitted and altered.

[Bazza]

I'll guess that the barrel is a Kunitomo production...

 

BaZZa.

[Bugyotsuji]

46 minutes ago, Bazza said:

I'll guess that the barrel is a Kunitomo production...

 

BaZZa.

You'll be putting A$50 on that then, Barry? 

[Bazza]

Aaaagh!!!  Yes why not.  If I'm wrong A$50 goes to Brian.  Now that is an interesting challenge, desu ne??  What if I'm right?????  I did, however, get a solid clue from some of the photos, but we shall see.

 

Best,

BaZza

(chewing nails)

[Lareon]

On 7/18/2025 at 10:48 AM, Brian said:

Why do so many of these lack the pan cover? Argh. I think 3 out of my 4 are missing that. Wish someone made blanks that could be hand fitted and altered.

Both of mine are missing the pan cover

[Fabian23]

The beauty of these matchlocks is that almost everything can be easily made without specialist tools.

 

A pan cover can be made out of a chunk of brass, hand files and a lot of patience. I've made two now.