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LOT 1357
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: 6,000 - 9,000
CONDITION: The very fine blade
shows light oxidization overall,
along with some minor edge nicks
and minor handling marks. The fittings are rough, with evidence of multiple forms of repair. The blade is currently stuck in the grip material.
Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000
LOT 1358
Massive Odachi Length Japanese Sword Blade with Shirasaya Fittings -
Measuring 49 1/2 inches overall (inclusive of hilt), with an impressive cutting edge of about 36 3/8 inches length, and a width of about 1 3/8 inches and a spine thickness of nearly 1/3 of an inch, making for an impressively sized blade. A strong, wavy hamon is present, with subtle grain patterns and a serrated copper habaki. Fitted in a plain
hardwood shirasaya set.
LOT 1359
Signed Antique Japanese Sword Blade and Tsuba in Custom Inscribed Kyu Gunto Fittings - Measuring 37 inches overall, with a 27 inch blade showing a primarily straight hamon and very active grain fitted into a gold washed copper habaki with carved plant motifs on each side. The round iron tsuba is gold
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and silver overlay accented and sculpted on each side, with the top showing a scene of flowers around a waterfall, the bottom a scene of a man and a boy traveling through a field of flowers, with engraved text above. The hilt follows a pattern similar to a regulation “civil official” or naval “kyu gunto” sword, with brass furniture and backstrap securing a braided wire wrapped rayskin panel, with the Army-style cherry blossom on the pommel, a blue and brown tasseled cord, and a three line inscription on the backstrap. The saya is nickel plated, with cherry blossom motifs on the throat, and the hangers decorated with the cherry blossom and a mon consisting of eight triangles arranged in a circular pattern. The tang has one mekugi-ana, with a nine-figure signature on the left side. Included with the lot is a cloth sword case with floral motifs. Notes from the consignor attribute the tsuba and blade as being Edo-period work. CONDITION: The blade is very fine, with minor scuffs and spotting, showing a strong hamon and grain on the bright surfaces and a deep aged patina on the tang. The tsuba shows minor spotting, with a deep brown patina, strong overlay, and good detail in the carving. The hilt shows a mixed patina, with chipping and a small amount of glued repairs around the mekugi. The saya is fine, with some minor wear and frosting of the surface. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1360 Attractive Signed Wakizashi-Length Japanese Sword - Measuring 27 inches overall, this sword is outfitted with a 20 inch blade with a mostly straight hamon, attractive grain, and a silver plated habaki. The four-lobed iron tsuba is decorated with gilt floral motifs, with a similar pattern on the other metal furniture and kogatana handle, red-accented mekugi, and red and black saya. The tang shows one mekugi-ana, with an 8-symbol signature on the right and the left. A cloth sword case is included. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall, with a few minor spots and handling marks on the blade and furniture.
The habaki shows some mild dents, with a dark patina in the low areas near the tsuba and a bright polished appearance on the remainder. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1361
Attractive Signed Wakizashi-Length Japanese Blade with Shirasaya Fittings -
Measuring 23 inches overall with a 17 5/8 inch live edge, the blade features a very strong, wavy hamon and attractive and vivid grain, as well as a two-piece silver and copper habaki. A single mekugi-ana is present in the tang, which is signed with 7 carved symbols on the left. The furniture
follows the shirasaya pattern, with inlaid ebony panels around the mekugi. An extra mekugi, sized for a different sword, is also included. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with a few minor spots and rubs on the blade, and a proper dark patina on the tang. The silver portion of the habaki shows mild scuffs and dents, and the furniture shows mild dents and scuffs. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250