Japanese matchlock with bronze barrel.

[estcrh]

In a recent thread about a Japanese matchlocks

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16472

Fearn asked if they were ever any bronze or brass barreled Japanese matchlocks, I answered that I had never heard of one, and I didnt, until now, I was just informed by a Japanese matchlock collector that yes, there were Japanese matchlocks with bronze barrels

many matchlock barrels, especially pistols, were made with a kind of bronze called "Ho-kin". (Gun metal?) These do not fetch such a high premium here in Japan for some reason, but personally speaking I like their appearance.

Upon hearing this I told him that I wanted one, but he sent me a photo instead.