A JAPANESE 28 BORE SNAP MATCHLOCK MUSKET (TANEGASHIMA TEPPO)^ EDO PERIOD^ 19TH CENTURY

A JAPANESE 28 BORE SNAP MATCHLOCK MUSKET (TANEGASHIMA TEPPO)^ EDO PERIOD^ 19TH CENTURY¦with octagonal russet barrel formed with a series of very slender ribs dividing each face^ vase-shaped muzzle encrusted with raised silver ribs^ silver fore-sight and a soft metal band of plaited design behind^ block-shaped back-sight^ inlaid in soft metal over the breech with carp^ insects and foliage and signed beneath^ the breech enclosed by a single brass band engraved with a kabuto on the top^ integral pan with brass pivot-cover^ brass serpentine (now fitted with iron head) and action^ brass trigger^ full cherrywood stock (now a crackled lacquer-like finish)^ with characteristic butt inlaid with a differing flowerhead in brass on each side and pierced^ inlaid in engraved brass with bamboo branches and foliage beneath the action^ and fiery clouds inhabited by a mythical beast over the spine of the butt^ and engraved brass mounts including match-holder washers and barrel bolt escutcheons (ramrod missing)¦99.0 cm; 39 in barrel¦¦The signature reads Sesshu ju Tsutaya Kihachiro saku (made by Tsutaya Kihachiro^ Sesshu area)