A Japanese Matchlock Teppo Of Large Calibre

The 54cm iron barrel of octagonal form engraved along its length with a dragon flying in clouds and inlaid with seven gold dots terminating in a circular muzzle topped with an unusually shaped foresight.
The red oak stock has been lacquered black and contrasts nicely with the brass alloy lock, serpentine and pan cover. The teppo is complete with its oak ramrod.

Matchlocks of this type were special order guns and would be a personal commission for a Bushi rather than a rack gun for a foot soldier. It’s also possible this gun was made to be used from horseback.

Length 82.5cm
Barrel 54cm
Unsigned
Edo Period 1615-1868
Circa 1800
Calibre 7 monme