Yves

Thanks, is it an Iechika and if so which era are we talking about?

Seems to be a bit the general problem with armors, helmets....

Thanks Uwe. Anyway, it is said that it would be an Momoyama - early Edo item. But there seems to be some debate.

Correct signature?

Which smith is this?

The Iesada with menpo. Looks like a great item, but haven't seen it in real life. The better item according to the people I talked to, but still a bit too expensively vs the market price if the quality of the items checks out irl.

Well, I had the signature of the Ietada verified and the comment was that the lines were not 'crisp' (meaning more swept lines) and since the signature seems to lacking a couple of characters it was probably from a later date than the Ietada 1. More probably towards the end of the Edo. The Iesada was seen as actually being from the 17th century. Both are similar in construction. The matching menpo was what the seller said. Fwiw I guess. Hereby the photo's of the signature. First one is Iesada, second the Ietada

All, I know 2 kabuto, which seem to be originals in quite good condition. One is a Saotome Ietada with probably non matching menpo and the other is a Saotome Iesada with matching menpo for sale. Conditions comparable. Signatures match known signatures in attestations. What is the best choice Saotome Ietada or Iesada?

Seems all wives are the same in that respect

Ok thanks Luc.

Have you seen this in person?

Somehow it seems to have had a restauration. Not sure though. What would the approximate value be? Helmet is Saotome Ietada (confirmed signature) I doubted a long time to buy it, but I'm going to push on. Still looking in shipping and insurance options which is a challenge as well.

Hi Uwe, see the attached.