Need Your Opinion Menpo + Kabuto

[Julian]

Helle everyone

Im looking to buy me firts menpo and kabuto but i need your opinion because i want to know if it could be a good starting set or maybee a have to pass on this one ..i know it not a original set because they have 2 different blue color and not the same blue on the menpo vs kabuto...the guy say that is edo period and ask 3k for bolt

Thks dor your time

[Greg F]

Hi Julien im no expert but looks ok to me. Price maybe ok, i dont think i would pay any more. You may be able to get the price down a little. You could easily get the cord replaced to match. Dave Thatcher would be the man i would speak to. Have you checked out the Samurai Armour Forum? All the best.

 

Greg

[Geraint]

Dear Julien.

 

A friend says that he collects armour because, unlike swords, it is easy to tell when you have quality in a piece.  Looking at the view of the top of the kabuto you post, take a close look at the suji, the spacing of the plates and so forth .  Next have a look at this one, http://nihontoart.com/shop/battle-scar-kabuto-with-dragonfly-maedate/ Compare and contrast then make your decision.  I know which one I would go for.

 

Whatever you decide enjoy.

 

All the best.

[estcrh]

maybee a have to pass on this one .

PASS!!!!!!!

[Julian]

Well Wow ok ..thks for your answer Greg Geraint and Eric 

 

 im gonna save my money for now and take my time to pick up a real nice one like the link you send to me 

 

thks guys for your time very appreciated 

 

love this site so much great people great discusion 

 

All the best 

 

Regards 
 

[Justin Grant]

Julien,

 

The menpo in the current condition is about $800-$900 at most. The Kabuto is badly laced and has many blemishes. I would not expect to pay more than $1,000-$1,200 for it tops. To re-lace the pair you are looking at $1,000-$1,200 all in. So you see, considering the damage and present state, this is why many are telling you to pass. Based on it's condition, and for the asking price of $3,000, you can do much better.

 

If the seller would come out of the clouds and place a realistic price on it based on condition, maybe, if you wanted to preserve and clean it up a bit, but it will always be blemished. If you are looking for one center piece, I would take the advise given above by Geraint and negotiate on a quality piece of armor.