A JAPANESE SNAP MATCHLOCK MUSKET, CIRCA 1870 with massive octagonal barrel retained by a faceted brass band at the breech, fitted with large pierced v-shaped fore-sight and pierced block-shaped back-sight, inlaid with a pair of dragons, cloud ornament, the maker's signature and a mon in silver over its surface, fitted with integral pan decorated with silver scrollwork and fitted with hinged brass pivot-cover, brass lock of shaped outline fitted with moulded steel serpentine decorated with silver en suite with the pan, brass trigger, cherrywood full stock (a small crack behind the breech), slender faceted butt of characteristic form, brass trigger-plate, and with no provision for a ramrod 70.5cm; 27 3/4in barrel