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Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth. This example has a bronze barrel of circular section damascened in a smoke or cloud pattern with sighting plain and a flared muzzle. The stock is red oak, and the lock with an external coil spring mechanism is or brass. Underneath the barrel houses the karuka ramrod. Mounted on a custom iron stand.
Edo Period 19th Century
Size:22.25" L x 1.75" W x 4" H
(7.5" H on stand)
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth. This example has a bronze barrel of circular section damascened in a smoke or cloud pattern with sighting plain and a flared muzzle. The stock is red oak, and the lock with an external coil spring mechanism is or brass. Underneath the barrel houses the karuka ramrod. Mounted on a custom iron stand.
Edo Period 19th Century
Size:22.25" L x 1.75" W x 4" H
(7.5" H on stand)
SOLD
item #1351381
