estcrh Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I saw this tanegashima listed and thought I would post a link for those that have expressed an interest in owning one. http://www.mlagb.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB ... 1318894581 http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc4 ... Matchlock/ Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 26, 2011 Report Posted October 26, 2011 Hi Eric, yes, the gun looks like what it says on the box and the price seems fair. Interesting that the owner has been firing it with real shot, so he should know it inside and out. Just one word of warning, though. He says it has passed inspection. You'd need to get a firm guarantee from him that this gun is still safe to use, unless you simply want it for your collection or for decoration. From the pics the only question I would have is about the pitting near the muzzle (in the fuzzy shot?) and the condition of the pan. From the side shot there, the pan looks pitted. I would want to see inside with the pan-lid open before any possible purchase. Thanks for the link. Quote
pcfarrar Posted October 26, 2011 Report Posted October 26, 2011 I don't know a great deal about Tanegashima but I recently saw a nice looking one on Gunstar: http://www.gunstar.co.uk/Antique-Musket ... 35546.aspx Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 26, 2011 Report Posted October 26, 2011 pcfarrar said: I don't know a great deal about Tanegashima but I recently saw a nice looking one on Gunstar: http://www.gunstar.co.uk/Antique-Musket ... 35546.aspx Funny how the spring is described as made of brass, so "rather weak". :lol: They are designed to be weak. The spring's only function is to gently help lock the serpentine in the up position, and with release of the trigger to drop the match onto the pan. Too much strength and it would put the match out as it fell. A matchlock does not need to hit metal and strike sparks, so that strong spring that you find in a flintlock or a percussion lock is unnecessary. (Having said that, you can have problems inside the lock mechanism which may be preventing the Hibasami serpentine from falling freely.) Quote
estcrh Posted October 27, 2011 Author Report Posted October 27, 2011 Both nice examples of whats available for sale outside of Japan, I remember Brian and at least one other forum member mentioning that they were possibly looking to purchase one eventually. Quote
Brian Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 Yep..I would love to own a nice one. But unless someone is feeling particularly generous or in a great discount mood, it isn't going to happen anytime soon. Things are tight nowdays..I guess for everyone. Still, they remain on the bucket list to acquire oneday. For us firearms and Samurai enthusiasts, they have double interest. Brian Quote
pcfarrar Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 They are quite common in the UK, this one looks pretty reasonable too: http://www.henrykrank.com/mfsr126.html and other decent one here: http://www.michaeldlong.net/kolist45/1/0/500499.htm Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 Peter, the second one is more expensive but overall it looks the best to me. Look at the condition of the firing pan too. Proud to show it off. Quote
Brian Posted October 27, 2011 Report Posted October 27, 2011 The Krank one looks very shortened to me. Opinions? Brian Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 Brian said: The Krank one looks very shortened to me. Opinions? Brian Yes, Brian, you may well be right. I have seen several examples of barrels and stocks that have been cut down, this for a number of reasons, where the end of the stock is broken or rotted for example. Much easier to saw off a section of barrel, move the front sight back and reshape the stock. Then the paperwork needs to be reissued, which is not easy. It is strictly illegal to do this in Japan, but nevertheless it happens. That photo seems to show such work. No idea what 'oval bore' is supposed to mean. And these guns are often described as having cherrywood stocks when that is quite unlikely unless they have been rebuilt in the west. Aka-gashi or Red oak was the usual wood used for pole arms, gun stocks etc. By the same token there are are many short guns which are/were favoured by smaller soldiers. Short overall versions of early Enfields for example were quickly produced for Japan's new army in early Meiji. One of the surprising things about Tanegashima is the almost complete absence of standardization and the huge variety in size, shape and appearance. Quote
drdata Posted October 28, 2011 Report Posted October 28, 2011 Thanks, Eric. The price points are useful. Albeit as reference only as the irs wont get off my back about 2009. A good year that has since soured, but that is a story for another day. Regards Quote
Lindus Posted October 29, 2011 Report Posted October 29, 2011 Have a look a Tep4,one of two remaining from my collection. http://collectorsloot.homestead.com/Matchlocks.html Roy Quote
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