Japanese Hand Cannon. Please Help With Translation?

[JPGH]

Hello everyone,

 

Can someone please help translate the information found on page 160 of Sawada Taira book Nihon no Furuju?

 

 

 

 

We've owned this same cannon, but missing its firing lever:

 

 

 

 

Kind regards,

Jo

 

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, but my eyes are not so good nowadays. Can you post a clearer picture of the text? I do not have the book itself here with me right now.

[JPGH]

Hi Piers,

 

I don't have the book and cannot post a better photo.

 

While researching the hand-cannon found within that 1907 catalog, I came across this internet image/page from Sawada Taira book and realized I had the same weapon displayed, but missing its firing lever. 

[Bugyotsuji]

The one you have there I have seen other examples of, and it was a genuine (if somewhat underhand to the popular mind) weapon of the late Edo and Bakumatsu period. Missing any mechanism like that would have meant no need for registration in Japan, and ease of export.

 

I can just read your photo but with squinting and extra effort. If you can wait a couple of weeks I will be reunited with the book. Or if Jan could send a photo from his copy of the book... ?

[JPGH]

"If you can wait a couple of weeks I will be reunited with the book"

 

Yes, I can wait and I appreciate so much your help and thoughts on all my posts within this category.