AN 11 BORE JAPANESE SNAP-MATCHLOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1870. with heavy tapering barrel retained by a b

AN 11 BORE JAPANESE SNAP-MATCHLOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1870. with heavy tapering barrel retained by a brass breech band (areas of pitting), vase-shaped muzzle incorporating a triangular fore-sight, pierced block-shaped back-sight, inlaid with a silver mon over the breech and signed beneath, integral pan with brass pivot-cover and fence, brass lock, sprung moulded brass serpentine, brass trigger, cherrywood full stock (minor repairs), signed in ink beneath the breech, brass mounts including trigger-plate, and foliate barrel bolt escutcheons, and original ramrod. 69.2cm; 27 1/4in barrel. The signature beneath the breech reads:. `Gotei no uchi Kaei boshin natsu` (Kaei year, summer) `Tamaoki Naohito ...Koshu, Kunitomo...Kiyo..` and on the stock `Yoshida Saburousukezaemon`, perhaps the name of the owner..