A 28 BORE JAPANESE SNAP MATCHLOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1870. with octagonal swamped sighted barrel forme

A 28 BORE JAPANESE SNAP MATCHLOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1870. with octagonal swamped sighted barrel formed with a vase-shaped muzzle encrusted with a series of silver ribs, inlaid over the breech in soft metal with an exotic bird and traditional foliage, integral pan (pivot-cover and fence missing, patinated), the breech enclosed by a broad engraved brass band decorated with a stylised warrior mask, brass lock engraved with scrollwork and a flower, sprung serpentine, cherrywood full stock impressed with characters and applied with a long panel of engraved brass enriched with silver plaquettes beneath the fore-end, applied over the spine with a shaped brass plaque engraved with cloud ornament, and brass mounts including trigger-guard and trigger-plate, and silver foliate barrel bolt escutcheons (ramrod missing). 100cm; 39 3/8in barrel