Original Japanese Matchlock Tanegashima Musket circa 1750-1850 - Decorated and Inlaid MG 34 Rotating light cover over red

Rotating light cover over red lens

The white grip is most pleasing

These are seldom encountered for private purchase as the British Government discourages sales of police surplus and normally require all helmets to be destroyed

This example has a 8 1/4 inch steel blade blade with wood grip and steel cross guard

Original Japanese Matchlock Tanegashima Musket circa 1750-1850 - Decorated and Inlaid MG 34 Rotating light cover over redOriginal Item: One of a Kind. This is an extremely interesting weapon, both for historical as well as artistic aesthetic reasons. 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 on board was driven to anchor