MATCHLOCK GUN FROM ASIA FOR ID

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by Peter Dekker

These matchlocks are Chinese, I would guess the probably date to the late 18th to early 19th century. I'm sure Philip Tom could tell you more about them.

The character on the top example is zuo meaning "left", indicating that it was a military piece used in the left wing of an army. I also have an example from a left wing, that has the addition of a serial number as well.

The gourd carved into the stock of this one might also be a unit marker, though it needs mention that a gourd is also a luck symbol in China to which various auspicious meanings are attributed.

Very interesting find! Are they yours?

Peter
Yes i bought them 1 month ago from auction ,so I'm surprise that those matchlock guns could be from the 18th or 19 th century and very happy that iy could be military gun.
Could you send me some pics from yours ?
Sorry for my poor Eglish but I do my best.

Best regards
Cerjak