Yves

The difference between the 2 helmets above is quite obvious. So, what is acceptable and what not, when looking at them?

A question of general nature: what is preferred, an original unrestored unit, even with some (minor) damage or a restored one?

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.

I'm currently looking into purchasing an armour in Tokyo and would like someone who's knowledgeable to take a look at it. Can someone refer me to an expert in Tokyo?

Just a thought, but wouldn't a samurai who saw a non-samurai class citizen carry a sword be required to cut that person down just for the fact they were doing something that was against the law.

Hi, I was looking at an exquisite tachi in koshirae dating back to the nanbochuko period. The comment made by the seller is that the sword was shortened in the Edo era due to regulations. I was not aware that there were edicts passed that required the tachi to be shortened. If so, is that correct at all? Also, what would be considered to be a correct tachi length. I know that for the uchigatana the length was in relation to body length and arms lengt, but how was that determined for a tachi?

It somehow relates to me on a different level than purely the appreciation of the technique and art of it or the aesthetics. For me it represents the warrior and all of the challenges that same warrior would face during the time he would wear it, but still faced all of those dangers with seeming indifference.

Thank you for your explanation. Relatively inexpensive: hm.

Would like to hear from people here why they are collecting Japanese armor. Thanks.

In Europe these days similar things are happening. Seems the only thing we're allowed to do is pay taxes and that is not just allowed, it is mandatory...We ended up in a xxxxing communist hell hole.

Hi Luc, yes so it seems. Anyway, his armor is off the table.