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LOT 3317
Highly Ornate Inlaid and Engraved
Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock
Arquebus - NSN, 50 cal., 39 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. Matchlocks were used in
Japan throughout the Edo period after being introduced in
the mid-16th century. They began to be replaced after the opening of Japan
following Commodore Perry’s “visit” to Japan in 1853. Most are fairly plain, but
this extraordinary example has extensive embellishment. The barrel has wire
inlays on the finely sculpted muzzle and extensive silver wire, brass, and copper
inlays along the length of the main octagonal section of the barrel depicting
birds, mounted samurai, clouds, and other details. The barrel pin escutcheons are
cherry blossoms. The brass stock overlays are engraved and feature floral designs,
a rabbit and bird in clouds, and a warrior with a naginata or similar weapon with
another figure with a fan balancing on it. The stock has an untranslated marking
on the left side.
CONDITION: Fine with aged patina on the brass furniture and inlays, dark blue
finish and patina along the barrel as well as some patches of mild pitting, and
generally rather minor overall wear. The stock has a few cracks and spliced repairs
but is otherwise also fine and has mild dings and scratches and attractive grain.
Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 3318
Jian Style Sword with Scabbard, Attributed to the Ming Dynasty - 31 inches in overall
length, with a 24 inch double edged blade with spear point and diamond cross section, iron
guard with lion head quillions and pierced through decoration, hexagonal rosewood grip
with brass edge lining, and a pierced-through pommel with a mounting point for a lanyard
or tassel (not included). The sheath is finished in black lacquer, with pierced-through iron
fittings bearing similar patterns to the pommel. A relatively current made padded transport
case is included. Consignor statements attribute the sword to the Ming Dynasty era (1368-
1644), but make no note about maker, region or provenance.
CONDITION: Fine overall, with a mixed gray patina on the blade, mixed brown on the
furniture with high edge wear, a few dings in the grip and mild cracking of the enamel on
the sheath. The case is fine.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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