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10th May 2011, 12:48 AM | #1 |
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Japanese Matchlock Barrel
Hello all. Can anyone translate Japanese? Hope these pics are clear enough? Any help most appreciated. Thanks, Rick.
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15th May 2011, 05:48 PM | #2 |
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Update
I made contact with a Mr. Phillip Tom through Fernando here on the Forum. Thank you again Fernando. Phillip says the inscription appears to be the number "183". A lady at a local Japanese restaurent believes it says:
"100 and 13". And the script on the breach plug basically says the same. Well, unfortunatly, it's not a signature But we now know it's a number in any case. The number makes me wonder wheather the gun was built under some type of Military contract? As Japanese Matchlocks go, this one is rather plain. I'm assembling the gun this weekend and will post pics. Rick. |
15th May 2011, 11:12 PM | #3 |
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Update-2
I re-assembled the gun and here are some pics. She's now a .56 caliber with a modern steel smooth bore liner. I found some additional markings on the inside of the stock where the barrel fits. I'll have to do some more research. Would like to find out what school or period of time this piece dates to. The Japanese used these matchlocks for some 300 years, all the way up till about 1850. Talk about slow technology evolution Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics. Rick.
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16th May 2011, 10:40 PM | #4 | |
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Nice old matchlock Rick.
Refreshing subject on the forum Quote:
Do you intend to fire it ? Best regards, Willem |
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17th May 2011, 04:34 PM | #5 | |
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matchlock
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18th May 2011, 09:59 PM | #6 |
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Dear Rick,
Interesting. Black powder shooting with an oriental touch. Is it a discipline int he US ? Will the steel liner make it more accurate ? And how accurate is such a weapon ? Best regards, Willem |
16th May 2011, 12:46 AM | #7 |
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Yes, it does seem to be "183" (百八十三), although the 8 (八) is rather elaborate. It looks like the number is to match the barrel with the breech plug.
Attached is a picture of a Japanese matchlock barrel I have. It is signed on one flat and is numbered on another flat "116" (百十六). |
16th May 2011, 01:14 AM | #8 |
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Matchlock Barrel
Hi bluelake. Thanks for the confirmation - and the pic of your barrel. So, your's is both signed AND numbered. I looked real close under magnafication before I re-assembled the gun. But no signature, not even a trace. I'll try to get marking on the inside of the stock and the tiny piece of rice paper translated. Might you know what they mean? See photos. Thanks again, Rick.
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16th May 2011, 04:09 PM | #9 | |
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16th May 2011, 07:15 PM | #10 | |
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