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LOT 3247
Signed Katana Length Japanese Sword with Exceptional Tribute/ Shrine Quality Fittings - Measuring 33 1/2 inches overall, with a 25 inch blade with a straight temper line and nearly full length bo-hi grooves on each side. The habaki is finished in gold, and along with the seppa is shaped to match the gilt tsuba, which has an elaborately sculpted form with skeletonized counter-guard style projections on the side and flared extensions at the front and rear. The fuchi and kashira are also gold finished, the former shaped to match the tsuba, with a threaded bolt with chrysanthemum shaped heads securing the hilt, gilt studs on both sides, and gilt paulownia menuki, in the style associated with both the Imperial family and the modern government of Japan. The paulownia designs continue on the saya in gold paint on a speckled enamel base, with gilt furniture and sculpted floral themed suspension bands with suede hangers. The tang features one mekugi-ana, with a 4-figure signature on the right side and 7-figure signature on the left. Item is attributed by the consignor as 20th century production, possibly for a general; the quality of the furniture would be sufficient for a “tribute” or “shrine” presentation piece. CONDITION: The blade is fine, with pitting concentrated at the tip and near the habaki, mild edge wear and a strong temper line. The furniture is very fine with suspension band look. Excellent gilt on fittings. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3248 Exceptional Quality/Very Ornate Silver Inlaid Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock Arquebus with Painted Stock - NSN, 60 cal., 41 3/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/silver finish, hardwood stock. This is a very ornate example of the classic Japanese matchlocks used prior to the opening of Japan in the mid-19th century. It features a swamped octagon barrel with a triangular blade front sight, block rear sight, silver inlaid floral design, and silver Sangai Tachibanabishi style kamon. The brass furniture includes lion and floral designs accented by floral painted designs executed primarily in gold. CONDITION: Fine with dark patina along the barrel, mostly bright inlays, and aged patina on the brass. The serpentine tip is chipped, and the lock need some work to function properly. The front barrel band is absent. The stock is also fine and retains most of the original painted designs and has some chipping by the pan and minor cracks. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,000
LOT 3249 Exceptional Japanese Matchlock Pistol with Elaborately Relief Chiseled Bronze Barrel - NSN, 34 cal., 3 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, hardwood stock. The barrel has extensive relief chiseling/engraving depicting a mythical bird, possibly a phoenix (Hou-Ou) or Basan. The bore is oval at the muzzle and measures approximately .34 by .36 inches. A triangular front sight it on top of the muzzle, and there is a grooved block rear sight near the breech followed by a Tokugawa clan mon. A mum inlay is opposite of the lock. The fruitwood stock is otherwise mostly plain. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall with crisp designs, aged patina, and minor overall wear. The stock is very fine and has light handling and storage marks and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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