This very pistol was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars in September 2024. You can watch it on the episode below:
Original Item: Only One Available. Likely dating from the end of the The Edo period, also known as the Tokugawa period, is the period between 1603 and 1868. This is a fascinating tiny fully functional antique matchlock pistol features a 1.5 inch barrel, intricate silver inlay, brass fittings and a hardwood stock. This Japanese vintage firearm was designed to be worn as "netsuke", but it is still a functional matchlock.
A netsuke (根付, [netsɯ̥ke]) is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inrō box, netsuke later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship.
A matchlock is a historical type of firearm wherein the gunpowder is ignited by a burning piece of flammable cord or twine that is touched to the gunpowder by a mechanism that the musketeer activates by pulling a lever or trigger with their finger.
This is one of the tiniest examples of a matchlocks we have ever seen. Similar examples can be found in museums around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It measures 3” overall with a 1.5" barrel. Intricately engraved and designed. RARE
History of netsuke
Traditionally, Japanese clothing – first the kosode and its later evolution, the kimono – did not have pockets. Though the sleeves of the kimono could be used to store small items, the men who wore kimono needed a larger and stronger container in which to store personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money and seals, resulting in the development of containers known as sagemono, which were hung by cords from the robes' sashes (obi).
These containers may have been pouches or small woven baskets, but the most popular were crafted boxes (inrō) held shut by ojime, sliding beads on cords. Whatever the form of the container, the fastener which secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a netsuke. Netsuke, like inrō and ojime, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship. Netsuke production was most popular during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Netsuke and inrō declined as Japanese clothes were gradually westernized from the Meiji period (1868–1912). Because of their popularity amongst Western collectors at the time, some of the greatest collections are now found outside of Japan.
Today, the production of netsuke continues, and some modern netsuke can command high prices in the UK, Europe, the US, Japan and elsewhere. Inexpensive yet faithful reproductions are available in museums and souvenir shops.
Overall a very interesting antique firearm previously tested fired on the History Channel.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1820-1860
Caliber: .375"
Ammunition Type: Ball, Powder
Barrel Length: 1 5/8""
Overall Length: 3 1/2"
Action: MatchLock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loading
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
