MATCHLOCK RIFLE

Japanese, 18th / 19th century, so-called "teppo“, also "tanegashima (gun)".
Octagonal barrel (L 101 cm), Cal.14 mm, muzzle reinforced, with inserted front sight, rear sight; chamber part decorated with dragons in gold and silver. Fuse pan with hinged brass cover. Brass matchlock mechanism with external spring. Brass mounts, trigger guard. Wooden stock with short butt, two holes for carrying gear, blossom-shaped brass mounts, wooden ramrod.
L 130.5 cm.

The first firearms arrived in Japan in 1543. Modified copies of the matchlock rifles were produced within a very short time. The basic concept of the "teppo" was maintained until the 19th century. In the last 200 years, this weapon was only allowed to be produced on a limited scale.