md02geist

What can you guys tell me about these style of helmet? http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-okitenugui-kabuto-edo-period-1742525-details.aspx?intObjectID=1742525 I think they are very neat looking and I have been doing a little research, but am not finding much on the era they were popular in / who wore them / the like. I would *guess* they were a middle level retainer helmet? But that's pure speculation based on it appearing to be a middle range "fanciness." Any information you guys could provide would be very great.

In general, do we find a certain type of curvature (certain degree, extent of curvature, etc) to be more prominent than others? With regards to the full blade, tsuka, etc... Do they vary by individual taste, by individual sword maker, by popularity of time period, by use, or by all of the above (or some combination thereof)? Just wondering if there was a more "standard" curve to some than others.

thanks!

On dou, particularly on sendai dou, was there a popular number of kusazuri to have, or a number that was more common than others?

Thanks for your help!

Thank you for the excellent links. I will certainly look and see what the range is. Problem is however, that just from looking, I have no idea what is low, fair, high, etc, only what asking price is. Seems the vast majority of stuff readily available is Edo.

So, out of curiousity sake, and I know this is a very wide ranging question, but roughly what do suits of armor go for these days? Low end, mid grade, and high quality of course that would be fine if you wish to divide them up, more knowledge is always better.

It's awesome, great work on it and nice work leaving a little extra space for the glass.

What a simple and beautiful way to display your armor. I very like what you have done. Do you have a hidden latch/hinge somewhere to be able to open it if you so desire? I do not have a suit of armor but one day I intend to get one, and if/when I do I will likely do something very much like this.

Cool I'll give it another go.

I will try again..did you use their web form or email them?

Excellent, question answered. SOMETHING was rubbing me wrong there, besides the high prices. Thank you!

I tried to contact them through their contact info and repeatedly get an error, they had an item I was curious about.

That's precisely what I was thinking when I was looking at these offerings.

Seem to have a large number of auctions...their pictures suck. http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ... =54&page=1

I will be happy to take some when I get home tomorrow. It is not in good shape, it has been sitting in a closet neglected for probably the better part of 25 years. At some point in time it also appears that a sharpening job was attempted using who knows what methods, as the edge of the blade shows friction (a VERY small amount) that reminds me of sand paper grating. I do believe it is something that could be removed with some elbow grease and proper techniques but it is present.

Can anyone translate this, and identify it as legit or fake looking? I'm sorry the pics are not better, the signature is under a bit of corrosion so this was the best I could get off the bat. Disclaimer: This is not my blade, this is a blade of someone I know who asked me to ask you guys about it. He seems to believe it is a blade from somewhere in the early 1900s.

thank you all for the info and the great pics. No worry about the derailment, I was just teasing you all.

So as I said before you all made me incredibly jealous...where can I get one?

Tease

That's great! I'd love something like that.

Do any of these ever show up for sale (particularly that can be positively identified)? I think they would be something really really neat to have. In particular I really like Gunbai (and all the myriad spellings of it).

Is there a "quick and dirty" approach to determining whether a WW2 sword is an actual WW2 Japanese blade or just a chinese or other manufacturer knock off? What should I be looking for in each?

I wanted to get that Trevor Absolon book but it seems to be on hold at the moment.

Hello all, Can anyone make some recommendations of some good armor books that I may use to begin studying Japanese armor throughout the various eras? One with lots and lots of good pictures would be great -- I am an extremely visual learner. Also a book or books that aren't going to cost me hundreds of dollars to obtain copies of would also be good. I would like to start slowly. Thank you!