Pair of Japanese Double Barrel Percussion Pistols
Rare and ornate pair of Japanese double barrel percussion pistols with finely carved ivory stocks displaying scenes of samurai with swords and armor. The pair measure approximately 10 and 1/2 inches overall with 6 and 1/4 inch cannon-type barrels with turned and ringed muzzles. The frames and barrels are cast naval-style brass with bronze content giving them a deep uncleaned patina. Approximately 34 caliber smooth bore barrels and yellow brass trigger guard. The left barrel of each barrel shows a long signature in Japanese and the ivory grips are also signed beneath the tang on the inside of the grips. The condition is fine to excellent overall. The carving is of superb quality and most likely accomplished by a Carver with a Royal appointment, as the work is absolutely the top quality reserved for the court and samurai class during the 19th century. The Ivory has been “smoked” using tobacco fumes which was a technique often used by Netsuke and Okimoto carvings to create a contrast of coloration. Absolutely museum quality, and three top Japanese art and arms experts rate these as “best of type”.
Rare and ornate pair of Japanese double barrel percussion pistols with finely carved ivory stocks displaying scenes of samurai with swords and armor. The pair measure approximately 10 and 1/2 inches overall with 6 and 1/4 inch cannon-type barrels with turned and ringed muzzles. The frames and barrels are cast naval-style brass with bronze content giving them a deep uncleaned patina. Approximately 34 caliber smooth bore barrels and yellow brass trigger guard. The left barrel of each barrel shows a long signature in Japanese and the ivory grips are also signed beneath the tang on the inside of the grips. The condition is fine to excellent overall. The carving is of superb quality and most likely accomplished by a Carver with a Royal appointment, as the work is absolutely the top quality reserved for the court and samurai class during the 19th century. The Ivory has been “smoked” using tobacco fumes which was a technique often used by Netsuke and Okimoto carvings to create a contrast of coloration. Absolutely museum quality, and three top Japanese art and arms experts rate these as “best of type”.
Rare and ornate pair of Japanese double barrel percussion pistols with finely carved ivory stocks displaying scenes of samurai with swords and armor. The pair measure approximately 10 and 1/2 inches overall with 6 and 1/4 inch cannon-type barrels with turned and ringed muzzles. The frames and barrels are cast naval-style brass with bronze content giving them a deep uncleaned patina. Approximately 34 caliber smooth bore barrels and yellow brass trigger guard. The left barrel of each barrel shows a long signature in Japanese and the ivory grips are also signed beneath the tang on the inside of the grips. The condition is fine to excellent overall. The carving is of superb quality and most likely accomplished by a Carver with a Royal appointment, as the work is absolutely the top quality reserved for the court and samurai class during the 19th century. The Ivory has been “smoked” using tobacco fumes which was a technique often used by Netsuke and Okimoto carvings to create a contrast of coloration. Absolutely museum quality, and three top Japanese art and arms experts rate these as “best of type”.