Superb matchlock I’m taking to the Birmingham Arms Fair 15th Sept

[Matsunoki]

I know nothing about matchlocks but acquired this massive gun as part of a deal and it’s not really “me” - so time to go.  Late Edo/Bakumatsu era and quite possibly unused…..in lovely condition. Many different signatures on it and I add a couple of others by this maker for reference. I am told it has features that confirms its a Samurai gun for use on horseback.
Weighs a ton!

Hope to see you there. Obviously UK only. 

Best. Colin

[Bugyotsuji]

From the external features this looks to be a wonderful, near pristine example, Colin. 

 

Good luck!

 

(PS This is the kind of gun we fire regularly at exhibitions in Japan, but a very nice example.)

[Brian]

Oh man, if I was in the UK I'd grab this. Beautiful piece!
What does this go for in the UK?

[Matsunoki]

6 minutes ago, Brian said:

What does this go for in the UK?

Thanks Brian…..but really honestly I have no idea. Never had one before, never paid them any attention so I’d better do at least some research. It’s just stood in a corner unloved for a while. I doubt I’ll get back what it cost in the swap/deal but hey-Ho, nothing new there☹️

[Lewis B]

Super condition. 

[Bugyotsuji]

I remember being asked for help with this a few years back, helping out with the details, the Mei reading, comparative examples, etc.

[Bazza]

Colin's Teppou metalwork appears to be in far better condition than mine, so lovely to see.  It's almost a dead ringer for the Tayosuke Katsumasa I've had for some 30 years.  Thanks for the excellent photos and details.  Like Brian, if I was in the UK I would jump on it...  I'll have to get off my fat hakama and write mine up, though I might have done it here on the Board anytime in the last 15 years.  I'll do a search on the Board and see as I'm not getting any younger!!!  Congratulations in advance to the lucky person who does get to jump on it!!

 

BaZZa.

[Bazza]

QUESTION FOR COLIN:

Colin, I believe your gun is numbered??  The inscription of the stock-maker reading KAWASE KITARO MASAWAKA has two kanji at the bottom to the lhs that I think are 拾五, which are the number 15.  This being so I would expect to see the same number on the metalwork.  My KATSUMASA is numbered on the bisen, barrel and stock.

 

Best regards,

BaZZa.

 

EDIT.  'Looking around' my failing memory has just been propped up by discovering I have TWO Tayosuke Katsumasa teppo.

 

Edited August 28 by Bazza
Additional comment

[Matsunoki]

3 hours ago, Bazza said:

QUESTION FOR COLIN:

Sorry Barry, I have absolutely no knowledge on these guns. The internal images were taken by the previous owners. 
My thread was simply a “l will have this for sale at Birmingham”, not really for comparisons.

Best. Colin

[Bugyotsuji]

If it's any consolation, the description is detailed and accurate.

 

Sadly I have other commitments that weekend. I would have loved to be there. This summer has been a complete washout for such fairs. Grrr...

[dimitri]

Really very pretty, it's incredible to look at the photos, it almost looks like it was made last week.  Very beautiful specimen, I would have liked to cross the Channel to see it up close. 
good luck with the sale.

[Matsunoki]

With apologies to all interested parties, many thanks for your interest but this amazing gun has just found a new owner. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!