Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock with Powderflasks and Portfolio with Provenance Related to US Army 2nd Lt. Ralph M. Setser
Sale 1293 - Arms, Armor & Militaria
Oct 24, 2023
10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$1,500 -
$3,000
Sold for $1,320
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
Japanese Tanegashima Matchlock with Powderflasks and Portfolio with Provenance Related to US Army 2nd Lt. Ralph M. Setser
About .45 caliber. 39" octagonal barrel length with flared muzzle. SN: NSN. Blued metal finish with brass lock and triggerguard. Hardwood stock has a plain grip and forearm. Matchlock tanegashima with notch and blade sights. The comb has a brass fitting engraved with wind patterns and a rabbit. Bottom edges of butt and forearm show brass fittings engraved with wind details. There are two brass chrysanthemums fitted to faces of buttstock. Upper tang is brass engraved with a samurai grotesque. Forearm has silver chrysanthemums fixed to both sides, as well as silver cranes and trees to barrel behind rear sight.
Included with item are three Edo-period kayaku-ire (powderflasks) and a portfolio of documents related to United States Army 2nd lieutenant Ralph M. Setser. According to enclosed information, Setser supervised and created drafts for converting rail car stock into US military passenger/commercial transport in Nagasaki following Japan's surrender in WWII. The process took several years. During the project, Setser befriended a Japanese engineer and was eventually gifted this tanegashima by him. Documents enclosed with item include a commendation by the US Army for fine work in connection with supervising the Eighth Army Post Exchange Train, dated 25 November 1946. Also included are two photos of 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Setser receiving his commendation, as well as nine photos of train cars and depots. In addition to the photos, there are 14 hand drawn and painted drafts of the train conversions, along with their names.
Included with item are three Edo-period kayaku-ire (powderflasks) and a portfolio of documents related to United States Army 2nd lieutenant Ralph M. Setser. According to enclosed information, Setser supervised and created drafts for converting rail car stock into US military passenger/commercial transport in Nagasaki following Japan's surrender in WWII. The process took several years. During the project, Setser befriended a Japanese engineer and was eventually gifted this tanegashima by him. Documents enclosed with item include a commendation by the US Army for fine work in connection with supervising the Eighth Army Post Exchange Train, dated 25 November 1946. Also included are two photos of 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Setser receiving his commendation, as well as nine photos of train cars and depots. In addition to the photos, there are 14 hand drawn and painted drafts of the train conversions, along with their names.
About 51" x 4" overall. Includes three powderflasks and a portfolio.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Condition Report
Good. Bore is dark. Finish has mottled wear to bluing on barrel. Stock has cracks to forearm on both sides near muzzle, and light scratching overall. Action is functional.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to
age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and
restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition
they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make
no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind
as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue
description or a condition report shall not amount to a full
accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman
staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the
Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or
in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an
item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for
inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect
the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have
requested, received and understood any condition report provided
by Hindman.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.