Good, Early, Well Signed Japanese Sakai leaves Matchlock Gun Tanegashima Circa 1765

40 and 3/4 inch swamped muzzle octagonal barrel. .60 caliber.

The barrel with characteristic Japanese matchlock rear and front sights. 6 inch panel on three of the barrel flats inlaid in brass and copper hira-zogan depicting a playful shi-shi lion amid leaves and vines. The barrel deeply patinated but mostly smooth iron.

Fence, pan cover, are missing. Bore is rough. Plain brass snap matchlock lock with chrysanthemum retainer. Fine red oak fullstock profusely inlaid in sentoku with leaves, bamboo vines, and a playful lion. Brass (sentoku) inlays are worn. Stock in good condition with great grain and only one minor crack. The matchlock mechanism functions properly. One brass inlay missing. Sakai style engraved helmet on the breech band.

8 character maker’s signature Norimasa (?). An attractive Japanese matchlock gun with nice inlay.