Edo Period Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock .43 Cal Musket

There is no serial number visible (NSNV). This Edo Period (1603 - 1868) Japanese matchlock Tanegashima is chambered in .43 caliber with a 37" barrel. The front sight is a small blade atop a base at the muzzle and the rear is a small notch in the base of the barrel. The wood is one piece, full stocked and has a channel for a ramrod. The wood shows some minor dings and scratches. There is a repaired chip on the right side of the stock that does not flex when pressed. The bore is dark and is likely not shootable. The finish has taken on a patina, and shows scratches, scrapes and pitting. The action does function correctly, however the mechanism is weak. The matchlock uses a burning twine to ignite the powder charge when rotated up to it. After firing the "used" portion falls away as the twine continues burning. ANTIQUE