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Japanese Matchlock Short Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:250.00 USD
Japanese Matchlock Short Rifle
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Japanese Matchlock (or Tamegashima) Short Rifle, with decorated barrel, NVSN, .50 cal., 20'' silver inlaid octagon barrel showing silver wire inlaid birds in flight, tree branches, leaves, and floral decorations. Muzzle is decorated with geometric patterns around the edge and small round circles at the muzzle end. Wood stock is decorated with inlaid brass cherry blossoms and a chrysanthemum at the bottom. There is a hole for a ramrod, but none is present. Hammer/match holder and spring are missing from the action. Brass touch hole cover is present. Barrel is signed by the maker on the bottom underside. Condition is fair to good with the barrel showing a dark patina overall, light rust pitting, and wear on the high edges of the octagon lines. Bore is dark and rusted. Wood shows a nice dark patina to its original finish with some minor hairline cracks at the barrel breech area. There is one cherry blossom inlay missing from the left side of the stock. Trigger seems to function properly, but without the hammer and spring, it's hard to tell. There are two western screws holding the lock to the stock. Overall length is 30''. Matchlocks in this size are fairly uncommon, and with some minor repair this could be a nice piece. Est.: $500-$800. (Antique)