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LOT 3322
Miniature Japanese Hiya Taihou Rocket
Launcher - Developed after the introduction
of matchlock weapon technology to Japan, the
hiya taihou was a weapon similar in construction
to a Western mortar, though used primarily to
launch incendiary rockets, and was a primary
armament on Japanese combat ships during
the 16th century. Constructed from brass, the
cannon itself is 8 1/2 inches long and 4 inches
wide, with a 6 inch long and 1 1/2 inch diameter
smooth internal bore, a pair of fixed sights (of
a style usually associated with Japanese black
powder weapons), a brass base and tripod
providing support. The base is secured with
screws to a black marble plinth; the tripod
is primarily cosmetic, and the base has no
functional elevation adjustment mechanism.
Total assembled dimensions are 9 1/2 inches
long, 9 1/2 inches tall, and 5 3/4 inches wide. No
markings are present.
CONDITION: Very fine, with an attractively aged
brass patina overall, showing a number of scuffs
and dings on both the cannon and plinth.
The bore is well shaped and the touchhole is
properly bored.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3321
Heavy Barrel Japanese
Tanegashima Matchlock
Arquebus with Silver Mon -
NSN, 75 cal., 28 1/8 inch round
bbl., brown/silver/bright finish,
hardwood stock. This impressive
Japanese matchlock has a heavy
smoothbore barrel with a large
blade front sight on the flared
muzzle, a grooved block rear
sight, and a raised silver mon with
two birds enclosed in a circle at
the breech. The brass lock and
furniture as well as the stock
are plain.
CONDITION: Very good with dark
aged patina on the silver mon,
attractive aged patina on the
brass lockplate and furniture,
mostly mottled brown patina
along the barrel as well as some areas of silver-gray, mild oxidation, and general mild
overall wear. The stock is fine and has minor wear including some white marks. The
lock needs attention as it is not holding at cock.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3320
Extensively Inlaid Heavy Barrel
Tanegashima Matchlock Arquebus - NSN, 78 cal., 29 7/8 inch flat top round bbl., blue/silver/bright finish, hardwood stock. The tanegashima
matchlock arquebuses were used from their accidental introduction by shipwrecked Portuguese adventurers in 1543 through the mid-19th century until the fall of the samurai in 1877 and remain
in use for ceremonial purposes today. This impressive example features a heavy iron barrel with a smooth bore, large block front and rear sights with grooves, and inlays, including untranslated
calligraphy, a representation of Fudo Myoo standing with his sword and lasso, and the mon of the Tokugawa shogunate. “T O” is stamped on the right ahead of the priming pan. The lock and
mountings are brass. Ramrod absent.
CONDITION: Very good with the barrel mostly a gray and brown patina with
moderate oxidation overall, attractively aged patina on the inlays and mounts,
absent pan cover and grip piece behind the trigger, and mild wear. The stock
is fine and has a minor crack at the breech and moderate scratches and dings.
Mechanically needs work.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250