Going through materials, trying to get a bit more organized, and came across my copy of 'The Scheiffel and Kunitomo Air Guns' by Eldon Wolff. Milwaukee Public Museum, 1967.
Just wondering if anyone else here has this publication. It's pretty interesting subject about a history of the Airgun in Japan written in 1819.

I imagine just about everyone interested in air gun history is at least aware of Eldon Wolff's 'Air Guns' which has been reprinted. But his other books, 'Air Gun Batteries' and this book are also excellent. I think 'Air Gun Batteries' is one of the most important air gun history books ever written. However, I doubt very many have ever bothered with it. It's the secret to understanding the history of the old historic large bore air guns.

... as well as "Air Gun Batteries" (which I agree is very informative on describing and classifying historic actions).

Ken Walker

Going through materials, trying to get a bit more organized, and came across my copy of 'The Scheiffel and Kunitomo Air Guns' by Eldon Wolff. Milwaukee Public Museum, 1967.
Just wondering if anyone else here has this publication. It's pretty interesting subject about a history of the Airgun in Japan written in 1819.

I imagine just about everyone interested in air gun history is at least aware of Eldon Wolff's 'Air Guns' which has been reprinted. But his other books, 'Air Gun Batteries' and this book are also excellent. I think 'Air Gun Batteries' is one of the most important air gun history books ever written. However, I doubt very many have ever bothered with it. It's the secret to understanding the history of the old historic large bore air guns.

Pretty impressive.

I would have to believe that the large bore air gun played a significant role in 1700/1800s Japan. That there is a history of the Air Gun in Japan, written in 1819 indicates at least some role and the advanced pumping techniques (pg 51) tells me that the air gun in 1800s Japan was at least present. Ninjas with air guns!

DT