The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”. A stock of keyaki wood and brass plate of the arquebus's firing mechanism. The barrel is damascened with the Satsuma family crest and underneath is the kakruka ramrod. Guns of these dimensions where used for fortification or onboard ships. The bore classifies as 30 monme was designed to fire a led ball of 26.5mm Diameter. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Edo Period 19th Century

Size: 39.5" L x 2" W x 4" H (12" H on stand)