Original Item: One of a Kind. This is an extremely interesting weapon, especially considering the historical impact of firearm development in Japanese history. It was crafted probably in the late 1700s or early 1800s as a matchlock firearm using black powder and a very primitive ignition system, far behind the rest of the world. This type of gun is often referred to as a Tanegashima (種子島), after the island where a Chinese junk with Portuguese adventurers on board was driven to anchor by a storm in 1543. The local lord purchased two matchlocks from the Portuguese, and then had his swordsmith copy the weapon. Some parts of the process were problematic, so a Portuguese blacksmith was brought over to assist, and the guns were completed, with much success.

These were also often called in Japanese and sometimes in English hinawajū (火縄銃), or "matchlock gun", and they were used by the samurai class and their foot soldiers (ashigaru). Within a few years the introduction of the Tanegashima in battle changed the way war was fought in Japan forever. They were used extensively in the wars leading to the formation of the Tokugawa shogunate 1603, which began the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo.

During this time, Japan returned to being essentially a closed society, essentially blocking contact with the outside world. There was also a general lack of the large scale field battles where firearms were most effective. Due to this, advances in metallurgy and firearms ignition systems never reached the artisans in Japan. In a country that venerated tradition, the use of the Tanegashima continued for over 300 years, until the 1870s and early 1880s with the coming of the MEIJI era in 1868. This was the beginning of the modernization of Japan, however the old Shogun War Lords wishing to maintain the old way rebelled in the SATSUMA REBELLION of 1878.

The Tanegashima matchlock arms that we usually see are musket or short musket length, but they were in fact produced in eight different main configurations, mostly depending on their intended use. What we have here is a small pistol type, called the 短筒 (Tan-Zutsu), which literally translates to "short tube". It dates probably to around 1750-1800, and it is a weapon of beauty. It has a short smooth bore barrel of only 3 1/2 inches in length, which is covered on the top with a magnificent inlaid silver dragon with some brass accents. The overall length is only 5 3/4 inches and the bore about 0.31", so this was definitely intended for inside use, probably as some kind of concealed arm for self defense.

The barrel is fitted with small brass sights, and has a "cannon" shaped front, much like the larger Tanegashima arms. It has a flash pan on the right side with a brass cover, as well as a brass lock plate on the right side with a brass match holder. Unfortunately the lock is not functional, and there seems to be some internal mechanism that is not functional anymore, and we did not want to risk damaging it by attempting any modern repairs. It has a lovely small stock that is unadorned, probably due to the small size and also the fact that the barrel is already incredibly decorative.

A fantastic small Tan-zutsu Matchlock Tanegashima Pistol with a magnificent decorated barrel. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1750-1800
Bore Diameter: about .31"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 5 3/4 inches
Action: Matchlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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Japanese Antique Guns

Original Japanese Edo Period Tan-zutsu Matchlock Tanegashima Pistol with Ornate Silver and Brass Inlaid Barrel - Circa 1750