watsonmil

Dear All, Far be it from me to boast any expertise on Tsuba, ... although I own several, ... I am not a serious student of the subject. I always bought what I liked ( could afford ). Having said that I would just like to add my opinion for posterity. I have to agree with Ford on the quality, desirability of the two examples pictured. To me the MFA example looks alive and vibrant ( much the way a quality Netsuke comes to life in your hand as compared to just lying sort of dead in your hand as you find in lesser quality Netsuke or copies of netsuke ). Just for the hell of it, ... I asked my wife and her girl friend to have a look and give an opinion. Both picked the MFA example over the Holbrook. True the patina on the Holbrook example is better, ... but here again I find the Patina or lack thereof on the MFA example not as detracting as David's opinion. In addition I do not find the " gold inlay " or better put gold wash ( plating ) adds anything to the subject. Just a difference in what different people consider attractive. ... Ron Watson

Dear Mark, I am a little surprised to hear the gun is un-signed. It is a really nice example and certainly worth the maker's time to have signed it. It actually makes little difference to value, ... but it might have been a clue to assigning the gun to a specific group or area. ... Ron Watson PS> along with Piers, ... I too am curious to the caliber. PSS > aHaa, ... I was too quick to respond, ... I see the caliber is .50 inch or in Japanese calibration a 3 monme calibre.

Dear Mark, The gun is most probably a KISHU gun. The overall style is that of Kishu with the exception of the serpentine which in cross section would normally be square shape rather than rounded. The Kunitomo group seemed to also favour the squared cross section. However the style of stock looks more Kishu than Kunitomo to me. It might be interesting to see if there is a signature on the bottom of the barrel, ... perhaps if given the province or town location as part of the maker's marks we could be more certain. It is possible since gunsmiths moved about so much that the gun may well be signed kunitomo even if built in Kishu. Whomever made the gun did a nice job, ... and any collector of Tanegashima would be proud to own it ! I would like to see Pier's take on my attribution ( we do not always agree ). The matchlock gun in Japan needs a great deal more study, ... and then there will still be arguments with attribution. Thank you very much for sharing. ... Ron Watson

Dear Mark, Given that some of us have an interest in the Tanegashima, ... would it be too much to ask that you post a couple of photos of the overall gun. I for one would enjoy that. ... Ron Watson

(edited - Admin)...Getting back on topic, it is my belief that a combination of things will lead to fewer students ( collectors ) of Nihonto. Firstly the Economics of collecting are putting Nihonto out of the reach of most of our young. Secondly the desire for Instant gratification that our young have been brainwashed to expect but cannot acquire in the field of Nihonto. Thirdly the natural attrition of items to collect thru wear, natural destruction ( fire, tsunamis, etc. ), and Institutional acquisitions is also playing its part. Forthly the fascist docturines of many countries governments to limit ( no revoke is a better word ) the right of their citizens the right to bear and keep arms EVEN SWORDS.

Dear Keith, Since you are in time ahead of me by 17 hours, ... I was kind of hoping you'd e-mail me when it all begins with the low down on just what to expect. Believe it or not I actually have a friend who is expecting the worst, and he's a member of " Mensa " ( high IQ ). I guess having a high IQ does not eliminate one from being stupid ! Anyways to be safe, ... I'm taking Frosty ( my pet Polar Bear ) out for a walk the evening of the 20th and then it's the wife ( once more for old times sake ) . ... Ron Watson

Dear John, In case you haven't heard yet, ... the World ends December 21, 2012 ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, I feel somewhat guilty and embarrassed that it was " I " who asked for photographs, .... this probably caused you time and worry not to mention the trouble searching out the item. Never the less, ... I appreciate the effort. It is indeed sad that the gun will not be restored by a professional craftsman, ... it certainly looks to be worth the effort. Again my apologies for being so pushy . ... Ron Watson

Dear Peter, Firstly, I believe what you are dealing with is either a target gun, ... or possibly given it's length a boy's target gun. I have one gun that I for sure know was made for target shooting. It is .375 calibre. However it is more or less the standard length of a regular military matchlock of the day being 54 inches OA. This is why I suggest it may be for a boy given the small calibre and shorter length. Not being able to view photographs makes this all supposition. Although condition is important, a boy's matchlock would in my eyes be a dream to obtain if that is what we have here. Next question, ... I know the gun trade ( North American at least ) do not believe in re-bluing the barrel or re-finishing the wood. Keep in mind here that we are NOT discussing a bloody Winchester 86, ... which are common in comparison to what you are negotiating on buying. I own no fewer than 7 antique ( Samurai era ) firearms, .... and if I cannot buy them in EXCELLENT condition, ... I usually pass on buying, .... UNLESS they are in such condition that I am able to RESTORE them to as close to original finish as possible. This occassionally means removal of excessive rust, and re-bluing or more likely re-browning the barrel to the extent that they are not as NEW, ... but are VERY PRESENTABLE. This takes experience in knowing how the gun should look without it looking newly manufactured ( hard to visualize unless an example is seen in person ). Same with the stock, .... I would NEVER sand the stock, ... but rather re-stain ( only if absolutely necessary ), ... but usually a good oiling with lemon oil and a hand rubbing will bring out the original finish and give the wood life and luster again. I have never had to stain a full Japanese matchlock stock yet, ... but I have repaired missing wood and stained to match the original wood. Repairing the locks, re-making repacement metal parts is common on these matchlocks, ... as missing parts detract from the overall appearance, and if done CORRECTLY and again this takes experience in metalwork will NOT and SHOULD NOT be recognizable from the original Japanese craftmanship. In closing, ... Peter, ... I would dearly like to see some photographs in order to offer more precise conclusions and suggestions. I would also like to add that should this gun be in the condition you describe, ... given it's rarity .... I would go after it ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Peter, Firstly what is the caliber ( in inches or mm ) ? Secondly what is the overall length ? I notice you say no pictures are available, ... so an estimate may suffice. All firearms were supposed to be registered by the authorities during the Meiji period, and most have the details of the registration written on the stock ( I have actually seen more Tanegashima with NO registration marks than with, ... so so much for gun control in Meiji era Japan ). A great many Tanegashima were used for Target Shooting ... a very popular sport at one time in Japan. I am guessing that is the case in this instance. In the case of decifering the Kanji, ... perhaps Piers may lend you a hand if you can get photographs. ... Ron Watson

Dear Rick, Welcome to the NMB, ... you might want to post a few pictures of your Tanegashima ( matchlock ), ... There are a few of us who have a serious interest. ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, Only at your convenience, but I would love to see photos. It is sad the lock is missing, ... and hopefully one of the amourers will take it upon himself to reproduce a suitable lock ( under your supervision of course ). A while back under the bloody Liberal Government in Canada ( since defeated ) , ... just such an amnesty was introduced. Fortunately MOST people realized the fascist nature of this invitation and withheld their firearms. I am fearful of the backroom dealings of President Obama of the USA and his intent to circumvent the Constitution's SECOND amendment. Enough politizing on my part, ... but vilgilance is the only thing that keeps North America from falling into the UK trap the way our Autralian cousins have already done. ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, A police AMNESTY, ...... Has the UK sunk so low as to have it's citizens turn in ANTIQUE firearms ? Also, ... a question : Is the gun on permanent or any display ? If it is not too much bother, ... some photographs would be in order so we the pions of society might all learn something of its type, school, quality other than museum curators would be welcomed. ... Ron Watson

Dear Guy, I had no idea that Vladimir Putin had an interest in Japanese Art ! Perhaps just a way for the Russian M...a to launder some monies and nothing to do with V. Pudding . ... Ron Watson PS: I forgot to add in the 22.5 % buyers commission, .... and I critisize the Russians . ... Ron Watson

Dear Guy, A very well executed Kunitomo Tanegashima of the type carried by Upper Class Samurai. Did they by chance give the name of the " maker " ? I find it unusual that the Mekugi ana have no reinforcing brass washer inlaid into the wood for strength. The barrel engraving is very luxiourious however. For $ 10,325.00 it better be ! A lovely example to say the least. Thank you for posting . ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, That would take a great deal of editing, ... given the other more subtle differnces I have pointed out on the right hand side of the lock. I maintain we are looking at a PAIR of pistols even though the background material ( cloth ) is different on the center photo. It looks to me that the first and last pictures were taken at the same time and thus the serpentine appears on the left. The center photograph was taken at a different time of the MATE to the pistol shown in the other two photographs ( this time the serpentine shown on the right side ) and therefore two pistols and not one pistol. ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Perhaps it looks like Indian Pistols are fitted with a left handed mechanism, ... BUT if you look closely at the bottom two photos, you will note that you are looking at a PAIR of pistols. Both are pointing in the same direction and yet the the first photo that is not being held has the serpentine on the RIGHT hand side while the other two photograhs show the serpentine on the left side ! Also note the difference in size and shape of the front lock pin ( between the 3 circular decorations on the side of the lock ). Also note the hole ? in front of the rear barrel band. They are of a different size. Also note the rear pin on the lock, ... one passes thru the line decoration and the other phpotograph shows it behind the line decoration. There are other subtle differences as well. Here we have a PAIR of pistols, ... and NOT a single specimen. Whether they are genuine or not, ... who knows, ... but a PAIR of matchlock pistols for the left and right hand would be a great rarity. ... Ron Watson

Dear Keith, Although I have not used the " ash " polishing method on silver, ... I have used the first item being a jewellers cloth. In my first reply to this subject I sounded rather harsh, ... and should have added the caveat that the low spots are never brought to a high polish but left to tarnish ( to varying degrees ) to add contrast to the object as in the case of Eric's silver kojiri ( notice the high points are polished and the lower background is left a subtle grey patina ). It is a difficult process to describe, and one that almost needs to be seen to appreciate and understand. That said .. Martin's seppa needs polishing/cleaning. I give you all the credit Keith, ... your polishing description puts my previous reply in the realm of a grouchy old man. I expect too much of people's understanding of patination/polishing and what is pleasing to the eye. A big to you Keith. ... Ron Watson

Dear Steve, and Martin, There are antiques where patina ( discoloration ) is admired and there are antiques where polishing is the normal practice. I would suggest after having spent nearly 40 years handling and dealing with antiques of ALL types, ... that SILVER is NEVER allowed to tarnish whether it be on a Georgian Tea Service or a Japanese Sword ( fittings ). Martin ...I give you full marks for noting the difference. It matters little to me Steve whether you polish your seppa or not, ... they are your property. As a collector of Japanese Art ( I've never sold Japanese Antiques as they are of personal interest ), .... but I have never heard of such rubbish as to leave silver to go black with patina as it WILL given enough time. The advice you were given previous to Steven is directly related to a lack of knowledge relating to patina and antiques in general. If patina on all antiques is so important why do these same individuals relish having a polished sword rather than a rusty one ! For goodness sake polish the seppa as would a Samurai if there were any left ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Rob, Sorry to have cut you out of your own thread. I got mine at a sword show in Chicago from ... if I remember correctly the late Dean Hartley. Please don't hold me to that as it is at least 20 + years ago. I occassionally see one offered on high end Japanese web sites, ... but invariably expensive. ... Ron Watson

Dear Keith, and Piers, To answer Keith's question first, ... I had to take my display case down and open. Since the parchment covers both sides of the ribs, I could only go by feel. The ribs seem to all be very pointed, .... from which I deduce could render the Tessen not only as a blocking and/or striking weapon but also as a stabbing weapon which would ruin the parchment, ... but if necessary would also ruin your opponent's day ! I had never thought of a Tessen having this capability previously, ... so thank you for the bit of additional information. To Piers, .... of course you want to restore your tessen, .... otherwise all you have is a skeleton of what was once a signalling device, an offensive weapon, a defensive weapon. Not to mention that unless restored it is not displayable. Parchment is ( at least in Canada ) used in virtually every Bakery and of excellent quality. I don't know how many hours I spent trying to find a supplier of parchment, ... and here was a supply not more than two blocks from my home ! A word of caution, ... get several sheets of parchment and not just two sheets, ... as it will take some experimenting to get everything to work out ( curvature, folds, .. etc. ). ... Ron Watson

Dear Rob, Many, many years ago I was fortunate in acquiring a TESSEN. All the parchment was in such torn and rotted condition that I restored the parchment and laquered it to the correct colours. The ribs and handle are of solid iron. The handles have a diaper pattern inlaid with silver. I also added the silk tassel and mounted the completed project in a wooden case for display. As I recall it is quite heavy and is definitely very old. What appears as a tear in the parchment is in reality just a fold or better put a crease. My description ( caption ) reads GUNSEN, and should actually read TESSEN. ... Ron Watson

Dear Jan, I cannot rule out the example or COPY you purchased was not made in Japan. And yes the Japanese did have a short large bore gun that was loaded with shot ( not common ) obviously made for combat rather than hunting. Just for the hell of it, I searched for and found among my boxes of parts an example of the brass shot holding tube virtually identical to yours, ... the inside diameter measured 1.5 cm. and I know mine was meant for a hunting shotgun. You must also remember that the Japanese were fond of bird shooting, and so would also used shotguns for hunting waterfowl. As I stated before there is probably no way of determining whether your example was made in Japan or acquired by trade from an American/European ..... WHAT I can say with certainty is that if of Japanese manufacture it is still a COPY of an European design meant for measuring various loads of shot. ... Ron Watson

Dear Brian, Anything is possible, .... particularily with the Japanese penchant for copying. I have noted in the examples I have owned however that European examples generally have better metal work than their American counterparts which in turn are probably copies of an original European design. ... Ron Watson

Dear Jan, I would have to see some Japanese Kanji on the dispenser to agree with your attribution of it being Japanese. It appears to be either an European or American SHOT dispenser as used by shotgunners during the nineteenth century. I have owned many during my years as an antique weapons dealer. First you set the top stopper for the load of shot, and open the bottom stopper to allow the correct weight of shot you have chosen to fall into the loading ( brass ) tube, ... the bottom stopper pan then shuts off any more shot entering the loading tube while you drop the desired load down the barrel of your shotgun. Hope this explains the operation. ... Ron Watson