Signiture on a Matchlock

[Akitombo]

Hi,

Could I please have some help with a matchlock I have just purchashed.

As always

Thankyou

David

[watsonmil]

Dear David,

Japanese Matchlocks are universaly signed on the bottom of the barrel ( if signed at all ), ... although I am far from being an expert on kanji, ... I suspect it is an owners name or mark. Have you taken the gun apart to see if it bears a signature on the bottom of the barrel ? Also an overall picture of the gun would be much appreciated.

... Ron Watson

[Bugyotsuji]

The position of the signature is unusual, but sometimes found there on older guns. I have seen three or four so far. That one says Shibatsuji, a good Sakai gunsmith with maybe roots in Wakayama, I seem to recall. (No books here at present)

[watsonmil]

Dear Piers,

That is a new one on me, .... I have never seen a gunsmith signature with such a placement previously. Just when you think you know it all ( well most all ), ... along comes a new learning experience ! I would still like you to check the bottom of that barrel however, ... and post some additional photographs.

... Ron Watson

[Bugyotsuji]

Ron, here is a Kunitomo one from my camera memory. Agreed, the underneath of the barrel should also be checked, if it is possible to remove it easily.

[Akitombo]

Hi Guys,

I have never removed a barrel before, so it will need a bit of thought.

Please find a couple of rushed pictures

Regards

David

[Brian]

It's very easy. Check the FAQ for a good article by Piers with pics.

 

Brian

[Justin Grant]

Now that I am starting to study Teppo, the little things like the internal spring design jump out. Never noticed this difference before.

[watsonmil]

Dear Justin,

Probably the split is somewhere around 60 - 70 % outside Main Spring mechanism, and 30 - 40 % inside Main Spring mechanism. In my own case ( collection ) it runs 50 / 50. There also seems to be preferences by school. For instance Satsuma, and Hizen guns seem to be for the most part inside spring locks, ... whereas in the Kunitomo school we see both types used. I have also noticed that Kishu, and Bizen Guns have a preference for Outside Spring Locks. Piers what's your opinion on this ?

... Ron Watson

[Bugyotsuji]

You may well be right, Ron. This is not something I had ever considered. My books are in Japan. When I go back at the end of the month I will read and watch and float your idea to see if there is a correlation. I expect that every gun/locksmith was able to create every possible style for their clients, but possibly there were preferences by area or school. Certainly Satsuma seems to be mainly internal lockspring type.