Japanese matchlocks

[cocuke]

Does anyone know the typical caliber of a Japanese matchlock? Was there a typical range or was it solely dependent on the maker? Thanks

 

[John May]

The bore size on Japanese Matchlocks was measured in 'Monme'. No idea what it meant but a brief explanation of the fundamentals can be found on the following web-page.
http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Fronts/Japanese Matchlocks.html#Introduction

A fascinating subject...

 

[Zonie]

Based on the sizes listed in the link for Monme, monme is a weight value.

1 monme = 8.5mm = .335" = 56 grains of lead
10 minme = 18.3mm =.720" =560 grains of lead.

Very interesting information in the link.
Thank you for posting it.

 

[arquebus]

I've seen originals as small as .30-ish to about .75 caliber. Mine is right around .45, which seems to be quite common.

 

[john wilson]

I found this on my travels Zonie, very informative,not that much info out there on Japanese smiths but this sheds a bit of light on the styles of different regions and approx dating. Don't know if you've come across it already but it may prove interesting to members. http://www.japaneseweapons.net/hinawajyu/shurui/english.htm
Cheers, John.

 

[rickystl]

Thanks for Posting this. Very informative. Rick.

 

[Grumpa]

Very interesting information in the link.
Thank you for posting it.

:metoo: I forwarded it to the Japanese son-in-law of a friend.

 

[dyemaker]

The bore size on Japanese Matchlocks was measured in 'Monme'. No idea what it meant but a brief explanation of the fundamentals can be found on the following web-page....

Wow! The Yellow-fire matchlock on that site is something special. I want one :metoo: