Japanese Matchlock Carbine help -- barrel designs in gold wire

[matthewbrice]

I am looking for some help with my matchlock carbine.  It has barrel designs that I haven't seen before.  

 

Members--please, reply via private message.  Thank you!

 

 

 

The barrel designs are in gold wire.  The design which I am intriqued by is a fleur-de-lis.  The French sent 15 military advisors to teach the Satsuma samurai Western methods.  That's why I am curious about this matchlock carbine. 

 

The dragon is done in gold and silver. 

 

 

And help would be appreciated.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

--Matthew Brice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Matthew, much of the joy of this place is people bouncing ideas off each other and the accumulated knowledge that results. Surely you have your reasons for keeping your cards close to your chest, but this kind of restricted discussion is not very motivating. IMHO

[IanB]

Matthew,  That is indeed a curious decoration and not as far as I can see a kamon. As you say it may well be a compliment to the French military advisers. When the Japanese sent King James I (and VI) of England armours, one which was composite has dragons and clouds  in those places which would normally have kamon. I have always assumed they did not either know or understand the heraldry used in England at that time and played safe.

Ian Bottomley.

[matthewbrice]

Ok Piers.  Feel free to comment here members.  No problem at all. 

 

 

 

I look forward to hearing what anyone can offer!

[Bugyotsuji]

Haha!   Matt, thanks.

 

The gun itself is a fairly standard Japanese snapping matchlock with a decorative muzzle. 

 

You might get more joy with the signature if you take a couple more differently angled shots and post all three in the translation section. 上 seems to stand out, but 上...? Kami/Ue....?　源? Minamoto? the rest are done in a flowery style that plays tricks with the old eyes. 

[matthewbrice]

I'll try that, Piers.  I do have more photos of the signature with different angles and lighting.

 

Thank you for the suggestion!

 

 

 

--Matthew Brice