Changes

==Introduction to Japan==

==Introduction to Japan==

The introduction of the European matchlock began in [[1545]], during the appropriately named [[Sengoku period|Sengoku Jidai]] ("Period of the Country at War"). At this time Japan had found a trading partner in the Europeans. Spaniard and Portuguese sailors who had sailed through Indian and Asian oceans had crash-landed on the small island of [[Tanegashima]], in [[1543]]. "While on this island the Portuguese had offered one of their matchlock rifles as a gift to the local lord"<ref>Bryant 2002</ref>.  

The introduction of the European matchlock began in [[1545]], during the appropriately named [[Sengoku period]] ("Period of the Country/Provinces at War"). At this time Japan had found a trading partner in the Europeans. Spaniard and Portuguese sailors who had sailed through Indian and Asian oceans had crash-landed on the small island of [[Tanegashima]], in [[1543]]. "While on this island the Portuguese had offered one of their matchlock rifles as a gift to the local lord"<ref>Bryant 2002</ref>.

After that the Portuguese had begun to openly trade with other cities in Japan; Nagasaki had become a major trade port between the Japanese and Portuguese the traders had brought along with them various novelties, such as wool, velvet, tobacco, clocks and even eyeglasses. But the most popular and less novel item brought to Japan by Europe, was the matchlock rifle.  

 

Many of the Daimyo were impressed after seeing the European matchlock; that by [[1549]] many Daimyo had ordered their weapon smiths to copy and mass-produce this advanced weapon<ref>Baker 2004</ref>. One Daimyo in particular who saw potential in this weapon was [[Oda Nobunaga]], he had placed an order for 500 rifles, the largest order to date<ref>Turnbull p.g.135</ref>.

After that the Portuguese had begun to openly trade with other cities in Japan. [[Nagasaki]] had become a major trade port for trade between the Japanese and Portuguese, and the traders brought a variety of novelties including wool, velvet, tobacco, clocks and eyeglasses. But the most popular and less novel item brought to Japan by Europe, was the matchlock arquebus.  

Soon the Japanese demonstrated not only their ability to quickly assimilate objects from other cultures, but also their ability to improve upon it. Many metal smiths went to work and even improved the teppo. This weapon had found to be more powerful then the bow, and easier to use. Eventually the teppo had replaced many archer units<ref>Bryant p.g. 49</ref>.  

 

Many of the ''daimyô'' were impressed after seeing the European matchlock; by [[1549]] many ''daimyô'' ordered their weaponsmiths to copy and mass-produce this advanced weapon<ref>Baker 2004</ref>. One ''daimyô'' in particular who saw potential in this weapon was [[Oda Nobunaga]]; he placed an order for 500 arquebuses, the largest order to date<ref>Turnbull p.g.135</ref>.  

==A look at the teppo==

 

==A look at the Teppô==

Manufacturing of this new firearm was simple; the barrel of the rifle was simple to create, simply by wrapping hot iron around a rod and force welding it shut made it, then fitting it into the stock of the gun. The gun’s firing mechanism was made from solid brass<ref>Bryant page 49</ref>.

Manufacturing of this new firearm was simple; the barrel of the rifle was simple to create, simply by wrapping hot iron around a rod and force welding it shut made it, then fitting it into the stock of the gun. The gun’s firing mechanism was made from solid brass<ref>Bryant page 49</ref>.

Ammunition for the teppo came in a variety of sizes, which was measured in weight instead of diameter<ref>Bryant p.g. 35</ref>. Sizes ranged from as small as 1 monme (8.5mm) to as large as 100 monme (48mm, or nearly 2 inches in diameter). Many large caliber teppo (also known as “wall guns”) had large recoil, that bails of rice were used to support the gunners back.  

Ammunition for the teppo came in a variety of sizes, which was measured in weight instead of diameter<ref>Bryant p.g. 35</ref>. Sizes ranged from as small as 1 monme (8.5mm) to as large as 100 monme (48mm, or nearly 2 inches in diameter). Many large caliber teppo (also known as “wall guns”) had large recoil, that bails of rice were used to support the gunners back.  

Although the teppo came in a variety of calibers, many daimyo standardized their teppo’s bores; this allowed for quick loading and allowed soldiers to use each other’s ammunition, when ammo became short<ref>Turnbull p.g. 135</ref>.

Although the teppo came in a variety of calibers, many daimyo standardized their teppo’s bores; this allowed for quick loading and allowed soldiers to use each other’s ammunition, when ammo became short<ref>Turnbull p.g. 135</ref>. A well-trained warrior could fire, at most, four shots per minute.<ref>Gallery label, Edo period matchlock gun R2001.46.1, Asian Art Museum.</ref>

 

Ammunition for the matchlock was made from casting solid lead. The lead that was being used for the ammunition was a major import from Europe. It was a suitable metal because of its malleability and high density<ref>Samurai-Archives 2005; Nihon no Bijutsu #390</ref>.

Ammunition for the matchlock was made from casting solid lead. The lead that was being used for the ammunition was a major import from Europe. It was a suitable metal because of its malleability and high density<ref>Samurai-Archives 2005; Nihon no Bijutsu #390</ref>.

Matchlock pistols were also produced in Japan, at least in the Edo period, if not earlier; these were rare in Europe. Intended for used by mounted warriors, they were called ''bajô zutsu'' <!--馬上筒?-->, or "horsemen's cannon," but were in practice quite impractical. Nevertheless, they served their owners as status symbols.<ref>Gallery label, matchlock pistol 2004.39, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco.</ref>

==The First 30 Years==

==The First 30 Years==