MATCHLOCK PISTOL, TEPPO

[Caracal]

Hello
I wonder what this is for Teppo. There is a signature or some kind of sign on the barrel. Can it be of any value?

 

I'm also interested in what's written on the barrel

 

// Robert

[Shugyosha]

In the cartouche, Tenzan then kao. I’m struggling for a clear view of the next bit but it looks like Bushi Kawagoe, Higo Motoyasu. 
 

No doubt Piers will be on in a while and give the definitive view. 

[Bugyotsuji]

A good Tanzutsu pistol and certainly valuable Robert. Nice swamped barrel.

The main Mei is chiselled underneath the barrel. It looks like an Enamiya 榎並屋 house gun from Settsu (from the Mei), but possibly unlisted as I cannot find a record of this individual smith’s name. Perhaps some very gentle treatment might clean up the Mei a little, but don’t do anything until you are confident. (Sadly not yet definitive, John!)

As to the silver Zogan inlay writing, pretty, but best to ignore as these were often added later to increase the decorative effect. 

John is correct on the reading (*Bushū)

Bushū Kawagoé Higo Motoyasu

天山作　+花押

This may simply be the Zogan artist’s name, or a jumble of unrelated places and names.
 

[Caracal]

Thanks for the reply,
This Teppo is at a local auction so I am considering bidding on it but it looks worn and probably needs to be restored. The starting price is usd 1100. The price is high so there may be a better Teppo in the future.

// Robert

[Bugyotsuji]

Some restoration will be necessary, this is true, but it is actually not too bad. Normally I would want to see inside the pan for signs of heavy use. I would happily pay USD 1100 for it. I am afraid there may be others bidding on it though...? A good Tanzutsu is a rare object.

[Caracal]

Here are some photos that give a closer look at the signing.

 

// Robert

[Bugyotsuji]

Hard to read as they keep swiveling around! I’ll copy them to my photos and then fix them upright with the breech screw towards me and pointing down.

[Bugyotsuji]

Something like 榎並屋祐兵衛 but character no.4 is a puzzle.

It’s a two-part Kanji like 徳 or something but It’s just too corrupted for my old eyes.