Herbie Husker

Thank you all for your responses both positive and negative. The seller said he was confident that it was genuine and that its a good blade. I did not ask for a guarantee nor was one offered but in the end I feel like I was treated fairly and agreed to a price based on the fact that is was not papered and I was taking a chance on its authenticity. The only way to know for sure is to submit to shinsa but based on the information the forum has provided it could be a waste of time and money. I don't think it would pass shinsa in its current condition. The hamon is almost invisible, and the hada is good, but hard to see. Given the nature of the mei, the shinsa team would want to see major characteristics of the blade that are simply not visible in its current state. The Japanese view point is important to consider. Since Token Hozon means a blade worthy of preservation this means a blade worthy of respect. So to have a chance to pass based on the mei in question it should have a decent polish. Seems like a lot of $ invested into this questionable blade. I follow the advice given to me by another collector to collect what you like. Collect what intrigues you. buy blades that speak to you. As long as you learn from your mistakes without major damage. Doesnt hurt to buy polished papered blades either. If anyone else has some informtion on this Kanemoto feel free to add. Thank you, Kevin

Additional pictures of tang. Thank you Kevin

Hello, Any insight you might have on this blade would be apprecciated: 27-1/2 inch long stout nad robust healthy blade. suriage, the 2 kanjis of the signature and the beginning of the 2 kanji of the date still remain. Signed: Kanemoto Dated: Tenmon 1532 - 1555 ? School: Mino-Den Nagasa: 27-1/2 inches Tang: 8-1/4 inches Total blade length: 35-1/2 inches Blade thickness at the habaki notch: 7.1mm Width at habaki: 1-3/16 Width at the Yokote level: 13/16 inches Kissaki: 1-1/4 inches Sori: 7/16 inches In old Edo handachi-Mounts w/ signed Tsuba and Fuchi-Kashira Quetions: 1. Does the signature and date appear to be authentic? 2. Signature and date seem very low on the tang which seems odd to me could it be an older blade? Placement doesnt seem normal. 3. If it is an older blade would it affect the validity of the signature or partial date on the tang? 4. Any idea what generation Kanemoto it is? 3rd or 4th? 5. In its current old Edo polish could it paper or should it be polished prior to submitting? Thank you for any information/education you can give me. Kevin

Hi Ian, Sounds like I should leave well enough alone and enjoy as is. My other Menpo appears to have all the qualities of a really nice and authentic item. I will post some pictures later for review in the hopes that I can gain some insight on it. Thanks again, Kevin

Hi Justin, It does have a drain hole it just doesnt show up on the angle of the pictures. Ill hold a little hope that it still might be authentic but it sounds like wishful thinking. Thanks again, Kevin

Hi Justin, Your right it might be more likely that it was painted and made to look older than it is its really hard to tell. All the signs you and Ian pointed out tells me the authenticity is suspect. Better to know the truth and enjoy as is than to continue to beleive it was potentially worn by samurai. Thankfully this was not too costly of a learning experience and I will continue to display and keep it out of the halloween box. Thanks again. Kevin

Thank you Ian. Great advice on the kamon Ill apply some vegetable oil tonight. The helmets are not in the best of condition but they fell within my budget and I can enjoy the history and artistry as is. If you know of any way to perhaps stop the peeling of lacquer both inside and outside without altering the value that would be great. I'm sure restoration can be very expensive and a positve return on investment difficult to realize. The dragon maedate is a wonderful piece to have and appreciate but I dont have any information on its history other than that it could be older than Edo times. For all I know it was made last week but I like it and it looks great on display. Your time and expertise is appreciated. Thank you, Kevin

Thank you for your insight Ian. Your right it is very odd now that you mention it. There doesnt seem to be any holes above the ears that would have been used for the ties. The lacing appeared new to me too. so it appears it was laced inproperly? I was wondering how common the gold color was or if the color itself is odd too? I realize it is very difficult to determine age and authenticity especially when you dont have the item in hand to study but in your oppinion could this Menpo still be authentic and from the Edo period or would it likely be Meiji or a more modern peice? The good thing is I feel I aquired it at a fair price (at least in my own mind) and I like it. Thank you for your help. Kevin

Hello - I thought I would post some pictures for your review of my armor that I have aquired over the last couple of years. I realize from a purist point of view this may not be the best way to display and that each piece might be better to stand on its own but I have enjoyed the process and it makes me smile every day I look at them. I naturally started with the Kabuto (most important) that appealed to me and added the Menpo and Maedate. I'm new to collecting so any advice/comments positve or negative would be welcome. Thank you, Kevin

Here are the pictures of the Menpo as requested. looks like a small amount of repairs have been done like beard repair and possible paint touch up? Thank you for your time and consideration. Kevin

Hello, I purchased what was described as a Yoroi Menpo mask estimated age Edo times 1700-1750 that is lacquered gold. Inside is lacquered in red. My question is how common (if at all) were menpos lacquered in a gold color? Naturally it could have been lacquered at anytime but I was just interested if the practice was used during Edo times. Thank you.