Thoughts on Repro Tosei Gusoku Armor

[Charlemagne]

Hi folks! I just got a set of reproduction samurai armor from Japan, claimed as being somewhat old (maybe 70s or so). I was interested in folk’s thoughts on the quality and value of this armor? Best I can tell it is not hardened, happy to answer any other questions if helpful!

[Bugyotsuji]

As a decoration, why not? And you can learn a lot from the construction since it looks like it closely follows traditional work in many places.

 

Personally I would put a wider pedestal underneath the yoroi-bitsu box just to give the whole thing added height and presence. You might want to add a sword at the side? And I would take the two long cords and tie them behind the neck as a first step in how to correctly tie a shinobi-no-o.

 

A fun journey lies ahead! I feel sure that in due course as your budget allows you will be filled with a desire to collect old parts or even display a genuine old set too. 

[uwe]

You can also put some padding into the sleeves (kote) so that they get a more “arm like” shape. Cut two cardboard tubes of about 8-10cm diameter, length normally 20-25cm, and wrap the shin guards (suneate) around. The shoulder guards (sode) are sitting a bit high. That’s probably because the bar of the stand is too long. It should be about 36-38cm…

Guess that will enhance your display!

[Matsunoki]

You can use a magnet to see which components are steel/iron vs fibreglass, resin or other material. it will help you to know what exactly you have bought. Although new, a lot of work has gone into assembling it.

Absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying this as a highly decorative display item (for a fraction of the cost of the Edo equivalent)

These armours are usually available in the $1500-2000 range although some are horrendously priced on eBay and misdescribed as Edo or “genuine vintage” (whatever that means)

I have recently started to collect armour……it can be rather addictive and is certainly very very challenging as there is so little reliable written information in English (compared to swords or stamps or coins etc🙂)

if you get “hooked” and want to progress start with components….masks…Kabuto and exercise extreme caution seeking advice before diving in.

Pieces in poor condition can be bought for very little yet can still be interesting.

PS……I’m what Bowie would describe as an “absolute beginner”