[Hassinen]

Can someone help me with ID on this gun. It is a rifle caliber, not shotgun. It appears to be muzzleloading. Absolutely no writing/stamping/marks onthe weapon. I cannot even figure how it fires without concern for ruining it.

[Hassinen]

It works like this

[Rex in OTZ]

I think there is a Replica of this in Dixie Gun Works it definately looks like a Japanese matchlock (copy of Portgese) there stock's dident rest on the shoulder to fire they pressed forward on the forearm and pulled on the butt to fire and held next to cheek to utilize the sights.

[Hassinen]

Thanks for the tip and idea - I will check it out
John

[Hassinen]

What you have is a standard shape tanegashima or arquebus. This gun was introduced into Japan around 1543 by the Portuguese. Almost all remaining examples are from the 1800's as is yours.


There is a lot of information about them on the web if you know where to look.




Check out the Wikipedia definition for arquebus:


Arquebus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




Also look at the Wikipedia definition for tanegashima:


Tanegashima - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




Finally if you do a google search under "arquebus" you will find some interesting articles.


The retail value of yours which appears to be in pretty good condition is about $1,200-$1,500.00.