3594

GOOD QUALITY JAPANESE MATCH LOCK MUSKET.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
GOOD QUALITY JAPANESE MATCH LOCK MUSKET.

Cal. 50. NSN. Bbl. 40 1/2" tapered octagon, has lg. flare at muzzle w/ its diameter matching breech section. This gun appears to be made in the 18th century or before. Octagonal flats are concave. Bbl. is fitted w/ usual Japanese type rear sight w/ sm. sighting groove & high bead front sight. Bbl. has relief cut engraving of a wild boar(?) w/ silver inlaid head & leg. There are inlaid silver(?) bands at breech end & behind muzzle. Right side of breech section is fitted w/ touch hole which has folding brass cover. Lock is of all brass, including exterior spring & dog. There is some scroll engraving on lockplate & on heavy brass band which secures rear portion of bbl. to stock. Stock is of what appears to be evergreen oak & has a lg. amount of brass & silver decoration, including a 17" strap on bottom which is engraved & shaped in a pattern of waves w/ corresponding 6 1/8" trigger plate. There is other brass decoration around butt & along top of comb engraved in the same manner. The head of a rabbit is incorporated in the engraving along comb. Carrying strap & attaching screw holes in butt section are embellished w/ rosettes that appear to be of silver. Rear most is lg. & has multi metal layering in the form of a chrysanthemum. Petals appear to be inlaid ebony. Stock extends to within 2" of muzzle & is pinned to bbl. in 4 places; there is also a sm. band 11 1/2" from muzzle. CONDITION: very good. Bbl. shows considerable deep rusting & some marks w/ possible old cleaning, now presents ancient appearance. Brass shows old cleaning, is now toned to golden mustard color. Stock shows good handwear in what appears to be its original oil finish. There is a 3" crack on left side in front of bbl. retaining band at breech end & a 1/2" triangular piece is missing in front of pan. Lock is operable. Bore is pitted. A very attractive match lock. (01-21149/MGM). CURIO. $1,200-1,800.