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Rare Japanese Working Flintlock Tinder Netsuke 19th.c. browse these categories for related items... All Items: Japanese: Netsuke: Other: Pre 1900: item #637160 Please refer to our stock #b1069 when inquiring.
** SOLD ** |
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| A Rare & Unusual Japanese Working Flintlock Tinder Netsuke. 19th. century Max. width 1 3/4 ins. (4.45 cms) In old Japan many men carried smoking equipment worn as a sagemono (hanging things e.g. netsuke, inro etc.) This equipment comprise a tobacco pouch or box and a pipe with pipe holder, often with a netsuke from which to hang the items. In the days before matches lighting the pipe was something of a problem. This tinder netsuke went some way to solving the problem. It is a spring loaded flintlock mechanism similar to that used on guns. The hammer, with its flint clamped in, is cocked with the thumb until it clicks, the hinged steel is positioned and the button pressed to release the hammer. The resulting spark hopefully ignites the tinder in the depression in the interior. The bronze alloy case is inlaid with silver and copper flower heads. Please note that the flower heads with only 3 petals are not deficient, it was made that way! The himotoshi ring and escutcheon and the release button are silver. The mechanism works although sometimes the button has to be pressed more than once to release the mechanism. It has clearly been used and the screw slots are worn. There is no damage and no repairs. It dates from the first half of the 19th. century during the late Edo period. | ||