Mark Andrews

Hi Ian, thank you for your information and observation. I was a little worried that this armour may have been made in the early 20th century. I was looking for a good clean armour at a fair price in the Edo period. Just not any later in manufacture. Ian, you made mention that the top of the dou needs repair with new ties. I am not sure were this part is to be fixed ? I will ask the seller. I just hope there are not 3 sets of armour the same selling on the net :lol: Thank you Ian, for your info. Cheer's, Mark.

Greetings fellow collectors. I Just need some sound advice on the age and quality of this set of Japanese armour please.Located in Japan. I was looking at this set of armour to buy as a display at my home. I have been given many pics to look at. I have been told this armour dates back to the early 1800's 19 century Late Edo ? No repairs and is complete. Comes with original box. I have little knowalage of armour and I know to repair older ones can be costly to fix and maintain etc. Would this dou for example, go with the era and style of this kabuto ? And is it in keeping with method & historical accuracy? And help / advise would be appreciated. Thanks . Cheer's, Mark

Luc & Eric, Thank you for your valued comments on the price and age of the Kote.I think I will have to sit down with a and think about it alot more. Regards, Mark.

Reply back on Kote. No signature that can been found. Price tag WOW $5,000 Aud :? Would this be the going $ rate on such an item Regards , Mark.

Hi Piers, Thank you for your comments.The hinge I have seen on other Kote as well which have there lacquer attached,but not the detail as this one. I would like to know maybe the ball park age. I am thinking circa 1700-1750 getting to the end of the EDO period maybe ? From my reference books that I have. Many thanks. Mark.

Hi Luc, Thank you for your comments. Yes I agree with what you say, I think Kaga. I am thinking it may have been lacquered originally, but I'm no expert on this. I just like the work involved on this Kote, a lot of time involved.I don't think it is signed I will ask this question. It appeals to me greatly as a one off buy. Regards, Mark.

Greetings all, I am thinking of buying these Kote from Japan. But I would like some input first regarding the quality and style/school . The arm length is 68cm. I would like to frame these on the wall and not add to a composite set of armour. Any comments welcome as I am not an expert in this area. :? Regards, Mark.

Hi Brian, Totally agree with your comments.Great points raised. Ken,The attack geese sound great! but not inside with the my chickens :lol: Most of the kids these days are not "old school" and have no respect for others property & have no "inner conscience" There are some good kids out there though, I must admit. After my little problem here in Australia.I quickly had a room set up for my small collection. No windows and strong door/small safe and locks. As mentioned by other colleagues on previous threads here.All paper work & receipts, NBTHK all separate as well. Have taken pictures of the room from all angles, including items on display.My Insurance company has now a little understanding of my hobby. I have had great help with the assistance of Bonhams on some of the values of my items. Others are still not insured though.But at the end of the day, this all still comes at a price.A higher premium price.I think I'm happy with most of the insurance cover on my collection. Best regards, Mark.

Thanks Jean & John, I like the Wiki pics of the Barbican.This would look nice as a front entrance to my home.It could push up the Insurance cost though as a Heritage listed building :lol: Does this also mean I need contractors to build this Barbican on the front of my house . What I really need is 2 or 3 Deer hounds :lol: Cheers, Mark.

Dear Friends, May I just add also here in Australia, regarding House & Contents insurance. If you invite or higher a trades person or persons into your home, and you have not "checked and noted" his or hers Police clearance # or that person has no ID or Police clearance .Then if the person decides to take a valuable item or come back and break in or tell a friend who breaks in to your home, you are not covered to claim. You must prove to the insurance company that you made a clear note of ID or Police clearance # so it can be traced to company etc etc by the Police and the Insurance company. These days many trade persons have no such "police clearance" or any form of ID on them or they are also a sub contractor etc. If they don't have the ID or Police clearance ,they don't get past my door these days. Also if you do have a collection in view, move it into another room or place it somewhere safe while the work is carried out in in your home.I had such a problem of this kind 6 years ago.The Insurance company at that time was not interested.And I failed to check his Police clearance . Its easier now just to collect teddy bears and cheap stuffed toys :lol: Best regards, Mark.

Hi Terry,You could try here, http://www.seiyudo.com Has a couple of nice Katana-Kake and other items of interest. Just have the translate button handy from Japanese to English. :D Best regards, Mark.

Hi John, A very nice Tsuba from Ebay,The pattern is very simple. It reminds me of the canopy of Japanese Pine tree's. Regards, Mark.

Dear colleagues, Great thread Clive, Of my little knowalage of this topic, I can add this.In the New sword era.There were strict polices in place by the powers that be regarding making and selling Nihonto.This was also the time of the art of sword fencing. So again strict style and length of blade was enforced.A smith would need to apply through the operate channels ( a middle man ) to approach on his behalf the governing bodies of that time.If the application was granted, this would then give the smith permission to have his blades signed or upgraded to use for example a title on his blade, which means he can give prestige to his family and his profit margin.Mumei, blades are normally found in "this period" to be of revival types of earlier styles,which come under a new art of reminiscing the Samurai of the waring period pre 1600. There was a supply and demand for these revival art swords but many ended up having been signed "after the fact" and sold for profit.I personally would have a Mumei blade of this period as long as it is made well and not tampered with.Of course there were standard blades which were left unsigned also and not revival art.Maybe the cost of application would out way his production cost of making such blade's. Regards, Mark.

Hi Andy, a great find and a lovely small box.I like the simplicity of the construction + peg work and the ornamentation as well.Thanks for the great pics ! Regards, Mark.

Hello David and George,thank you for the welcome onto the forum.Cheer's Kind regards, Mark.

Hi John,thank you for the welcome.I appreciate your advise here, thank you muchly. Regards, Mark.

Greetings to everyone. I have just joined the forum and already I am finding some very interesting topics to read . There is alot to learn here. I'm also looking forward to getting to know other members here and there interests on this forum. I am based in Australia. Sometimes, I feel there is little information here in Australia regarding all things Japanese in the antique sector and the lack of knowledgeable people here So this forum will be of great help to me as a small collector. Regards, Mark.