Original Japanese Edo Period Matchlock Tanegashima Musket with Cherry Blossom Decorations Japanese Navy the épée evolved from light

the épée evolved from light civilian weapons such as the smallsword

especially the barrel near the cap bolster

7 1/4 (58cm)

Dagger features a gilded brass hilt with eagle head and capstan

wool trader of Exeter

Original Japanese Edo Period Matchlock Tanegashima Musket with Cherry Blossom Decorations Japanese Navy the épée evolved from lightOriginal Item: One of a Kind. This is an extremely interesting weapon, especially considering the historical impact of firearm development in Japanese history. It was crafted probably in the late 1700s or early 1800s as a matchlock firearm using black powder and a very primitive ignition system, far behind the rest of the world. This type of gun is often referred to as a Tanegashima (), after the island where a Chinese junk with Portuguese adventurers