Page 145 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

143

Hardened
cutting edge

▲ NAGINATA Naginata blades, mounted on oval wooden
Rattan bindings Habaki (soft metal collar) to transmit shafts about 6 ⁄2ft (2m) long, were the standard EAST ASIAN WEAPONS
1
the shock of a blow to the shaft Date 19th century weapon of foot soldiers in medieval Japan.
Origin Japan Used as a spear or a fighting staff, they
1
Weight 4 ⁄4lb (1.95kg) were especially associated with warrior
Length 9ft (2.75m) monks, the so¯hei.
Loops for attaching
gun to support
◀ CHINESE SILK GUN
Breech Date c.1825
Origin China
Weight 3lb (1.42kg)
Length 37 ⁄4in (83.2cm)
3
Caliber 63.5mm
This cannon, designed for
Touch-hole Muzzle portability, was made from a
copper tube wrapped with iron
wire and silk cord. It derived
Barrel decorated with from earlier guns, which were
a dragon in silver made from bamboo wound with
cord. Chinese paintings show
soldiers lying on the battlefield
firing similar guns.

Decorative
Ramrod expanded muzzle
Stock of red oak

▶ TSUKUBO Although not principally a weapon
Date 19th century of war, implements such as this
tsukubo (pushing pole) were used
Origin Japan
to overcome and detain criminals
Weight 3lb (1.36kg) in Japan. In towns and cities, racks Hollow metal shaft into which Spikes to prevent opponent
Length 27 ⁄4in (69cm) of these devices were positioned wooden handle was fixed from grabbing the weapon
1
at strategic sites for use by law
enforcement officers.
Blades to snag clothing
Red-painted stock

▲ CHINESE MATCHLOCK Unlike the matchlocks used in Japan, on most ▼ JAPANESE PILL-LOCK In 1853, American warships forced
Date c.1830 Chinese guns the match-holder and trigger CARBINE Japan to open its ports for trade,
are one piece, so that when the trigger is introducing new technology. Within
Origin China pulled up, the match-holder dips down to Date c.1850 a few years, the Japanese had adopted
Weight 19lb (8.6kg) apply the flame to the touch-hole. This is a Origin Japan percussion ignition for their guns. This
1
Barrel 5 ⁄4ft (6m) simple, functional example, undecorated Weight 8lb (3.64kg) example has an automatic dispenser
save for the stock, which is painted red. 1 for detonating pills (its ignition primers).
Caliber 15mm Barrel 26 ⁄4in (67cm)
Caliber 12.5mm
Barrel

“Captive” ramrod, permanently
Magazine for detonating pills fixed to gun to avoid loss