Original Japanese Matchlock Tanegashima Converted to M.1880 Murata Breech Loading System Cannons nicknamed the Flying Tigers

nicknamed the Flying Tigers

It was widely advertised as ‘The Soldier’s Kodak’ and owners were encouraged to “Make your own picture record of the War”

These are very nice examples of the manufactured short sword bayonet featuring a 12" blade that followed the WWI 17" version

These pouches have seen use and some of the stitching has deteriorated

with 4 character "mei

Original Japanese Matchlock Tanegashima Converted to M.1880 Murata Breech Loading System Cannons nicknamed the Flying TigersOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely interesting weapon. It started life probably in the late 1700s or early 1800s being constructed as a matchlock firearm using black powder and a very primitive ignition system. These were often referred to as Tanegashima (), after the island where a Chinese junk with Portuguese adventurers on board was driven to anchor by a storm in 1543. The local lord purchased two matchlocks from the