Lot 99

Rare and Unique Japanese Single-Shot Percussion Ladle or Ink Pot Gun, c. 1850

.36 caliber, 9 1/2-inch bronze barrel disguised as handle of ladle. Hinged sheet brass breech and hammer cover designed to disguise mechanism. External trigger and ferrule with hole for attaching a firing string. Bronze alloy cup engraved with dragon motifs. Threaded barrel plug with cleaning rod attached. Overall length: 14 1/2-inches.

Condition: Very good. Metal with dark age patina. Mechanism good.

Note: CF: Pistols of the World, Blair #783; Stone's Glossary, page 508, No. 8.; Metropolitan Museum of Art, N.Y., #36.25.2108.

Estimate: $4500 - $7500

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