Japanese military matchlock signature

[Japanese matchlock]

I am trying to translate or identify this signature somehow it is from the bottom of the barrel near the trigger end.  Any info would be appreciated.  I believe it is late 18th century it is 54” length 5/8” bore.   I can track it back to it be purchased at an auction in the Chicago area between 1930-1955 by a wealthy industrialist.

[Bugyotsuji]

Hello, your name is not appearing so forgive me.

 

Your gun was made by one of the famous Wada smiths from Hino in Gō-Shu.(Ōmi, east of Lake Biwa.) I can’t quite see the bottom Individual smith name just yet but that is not necessarily a problem.

州江日野和田... Go Shu Hino Wada ...

[Japanese matchlock]

My name is Matthew Fitzgerald — thank you so much, does the signature look original to you?  Someone is questioning it.  I removed barrel and had to take toothbrush to it to remove some dirt and then wetted to make more visible.  Do you have any info on this person?  Specifically when he lived -for dating purposes.

 

Thanks again!

 

matt

[Japanese matchlock]

Also any idea on value?

[Bugyotsuji]

The Mei is very poorly written, Matthew, I agree. I cannot see any benefit to adding a Mei, though, and the butt decorations are consistent with Hino. The Wada were the last of the Hino gunsmiths and went out of business around 1840 or 1850. Sadly I cannot see this being worth a lot of money, especially in this state.

[Brian]

What does that translate to Piers? $800 to $1200?

[Bugyotsuji]

If I had a gunsmith who could fix it up cheaply for me then I might be willing to pay somewhere near that Brian... 😂

[Viper6924]

I just found this matchlock up for sale online.

Asking price you might ask? Well, a cool $25.000 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

 

Not so cool is that screen shots from this forum, ended up on the same sale page.

 

When you thought you seen it all...

 

Jan

[Bugyotsuji]

Well, a guy has to make a buck.

A little cheeky, I must admit, although the photos were taken from elsewhere before they first appeared here, I think.

[Brian]

Can you link us Jan?

[Viper6924]

Here you go, Brian!

 

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/876830322

 

Jan

[Brian]

Have sent a cease and desist for the use of our screenshots.
$15k? Wish my dreams were so.....wishful.

[Bugyotsuji]

Brian if you look below the first block of three photos up top in Matthew's original post, you'll see some words from a Farcebook page. This is why I suggested that they were not posted here first. (?)

[Brian]

I'm talking about the NMB screenshots he took and used.

[Justin Grant]

I have a "Wada" teppo. I think an obscure smith, can't find him in the books.

[Japanese matchlock]

First I would like to apologize for any breach of protocol, as is painfully obvious this is my first foray into Japanese matchlocks.  I will take down any mention of the message board.  I was assuming any potential buyer would want an expert opinion like that of Bugyotsuji’s .   If anyone is interested in the item please reach out to me at 717 512 5775 I would prefer someone who understands and appreciates the history become the next owner.  Best wishes and once again I sincerely apologize.  Matt

[Bugyotsuji]

Thanks, Brian, now I get you!

 

Your particular smith is listed, Justin.
近州日野住人和田治太夫造之

Are there any marks on the facet to the left or right of that one?

[Viper6924]

Can’t you start a Hino-thread and post some pictures, Justin?

 

Jan

[Justin Grant]

1 hour ago, Bugyotsuji said:

Thanks, Brian, now I get you!

 

Your particular smith is listed, Justin.
近州日野住人和田太夫造之

Are there any marks on the facet to the left or right of that one?

 

That is all there is, no other marks or registration marks from the later attempt to get them registered. Your book must be an updated version Piers. The copy you sent me forever ago does not have him listed, I believe.  I am assuming he was a late Edo smith.

 

Jan, I would be happy to.. It's not a particularly interesting item, and has stock damage and repair. But it was my first purchase, so I've kept it.

[Viper6924]

Please do, Justin! I’m doing some research on the Hino style, so I like to see as many Hino-matchlocks as possible.

 

Jan

[Bugyotsuji]

Justin, each time I look, his name disappears again, but it should be there, right after the 12th generation, i.e. a little further down than you might expect. He sometimes wrote the 治 as 次 apparently.

You'd expect his name to be top of the group, having no further personal name like that. His late name placing though breaks my concept of dating by name, so I have had to restructure my clunky old ideas a little.